Found it in my in-laws drawer where they had butter dishes etc

What’s this?? Fork there for scale..

HERE ARE SOME OF THE ANSWERS:

1. it’s a bone for a glass dog. they were bred in the early 19th century; but short life span made it impossible to keep them viable.
2. A serving knife rest, so your lovely lace tablecloth will not be stained.
3. Congrats on keeping the comments clean everyone!
4. Baby dumbbell. No one likes a weak baby.
5. It’s a knife rest. These are not only for the carving knife, but one is at each place setting for resting the table knife after it’s used. It is NOT for the butter knife. The butter knife remains across the bread plate.
6. My grandmother had two. I don’t know about her background, buy she had many instruments that showed she entertained often.. I have a set of 12 salt cellars with tiny crystal spoons to sift the salt from the cellars over individual food. We used them at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.
7. To lay you knife on after you cut your meat so you don’t mess up your tablecloth
8. Knite rest. Kind of like a chopstick rest
9. Dirty knife rest keeps table cloth clean.
10. Lol l have one from my mom, never knew what it was for. Now I do! Thanks
11. Wow!! Thank you for insights!! So cool to have this group!! The knife rests sure are beautiful!!
12. Have one just like this. Resting of the carving knife, if you only have one. \
13. I’ve never seen one, they are beautiful!
14. Wow! I thought I knew different types of serving utensils, but I didn’t know this one. Thank you for sharing!
15. We used t have one like that, my Mom and my Grandma’s. Salt roller maybe?
16. I have a set of them
17. It’s to set a knife holder.

A knife rest is a small, often decorative, object used to keep the blade of a knife from touching the surface of a table or countertop when it’s not in use. They come in various shapes and materials, ranging from simple metal designs to more ornate versions made of silver, porcelain, or other materials. They can add a touch of elegance to a dining table while also serving a practical purpose.

Certainly! Knife rests have been a part of dining culture for centuries, originating in the 17th century in France. Back then, they were primarily made of metal or porcelain and were often adorned with intricate designs, reflecting the opulence of the time.

In addition to their decorative function, knife rests serve a practical purpose. Placing a knife directly on the table can not only damage the table surface but also transfer food residue and germs. Knife rests elevate the blade, preventing contact with the table and maintaining hygiene standards during meals.

Over time, knife rests have evolved in design and materials, catering to various tastes and aesthetics. While traditional designs still remain popular, contemporary versions featuring minimalist styles or innovative shapes have also emerged, appealing to modern sensibilities.

In formal dining settings, such as fine restaurants or elegant dinner parties, the use of knife rests adds a sophisticated touch to the table setting.

They are often part of a coordinated set of tableware, complementing the overall aesthetic and enhancing the dining experience.

Beyond their practical and decorative aspects, knife rests also hold historical and cultural.

significance. They evoke a sense of tradition and etiquette, reminding us of bygone eras when elaborate table settings were an essential part of refined dining.

Whether used for everyday meals or special occasions, the humble knife rest continues to play a subtle yet essential role in dining etiquette and table presentation, embodying a fusion of functionality, beauty, and tradition.

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