Clasp Knife
Unknown Artist
18th century
Medium
Brass, steel, silver
Dimensions
L. 8 in. (20.3 cm); W. 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm); Wt. 1.7 oz. (48.2 g)
Classification
Knives
Culture
Spanish, Catalonia or Balearic Islands
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Rutherfurd Stuyvesant, 1891
Accession Number
91.16.79
Art Historical Context
This elegant 18th-century clasp knife, hailing from Spain's Catalonia region or the Balearic Islands exemplifies the fine craftsmanship of Iberian metalwork. Measuring just 8 inches long when open, with a slender 1¼-inch width and lightweight 1.7-ounce build, it folds compactly for everyday carry—ideal as both a practical tool and a subtle weapon. Crafted from brass, steel, and silver, the knife showcases skilled joinery: a sharp steel blade housed in a sturdy brass frame, likely accented with silver for decorative flair, reflecting the period's blend of utility and ornamentation. In the Metr...