The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction - Volume 20, No. 577, July 7, 1827 by Various
page 28 of 53 (52%)
page 28 of 53 (52%)
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ANTIQUE KNIFE-HANDLE. [Illustration] This was found about 20 years since, at the manorhouse of Lake, near Amesbury, in Wiltshire. The handle consists of two figures, a warrior and a female: it was probably the haft of a small knife or dagger, is made of brass, and considering its great antiquity, is in good preservation. The features of the figures are the parts mostly injured by wear; the female holds in the right hand a small bag or purse, the custom of carrying which fell into disuse in the days of Queen Elizabeth. This ancient haft is, however, most likely of an age considerably anterior to the above reign, and from the costume in general, and the simple cross hilt of the sword attached to the warrior's side, it may not unjustly claim a date coeval with the Crusades. ANCIENT BELL. [Illustration] [Illustration: (Handle.)] This Bell, as the motto (_God save the Queen_, 1560,) explains, is of the age of Elizabeth. The handle is of considerably older date, and probably belonged to a mass-bell, as it bears the effigies of a devotee, holding her beads, and a cross. Indeed, the prayer for the Queen, on the |
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