John Barber pair in piqued ivory

**ScienceGuy** · 05-23-2014, 03:42 PM

Figured I'd photograph this while the pair is together (one of them is going to Zak, naturally). A wonderful set of John Barbers in carved ivory, with pique-pin work. What is amazing about these is the condition that the scales, and the blades themselves, are in; most other examples I have seen of these are fairly beat up. Even more so, the spines are etched - these at one point were in a 7-day set, quite extravagant for the time I think.

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**AntiqueHoosier** · 05-23-2014, 03:44 PM

Batman and Robin strike again! wonderful Barbers! The blade profile is elegant and the scales pure artistry

**Splashone** · 05-23-2014, 03:48 PM

Nice scales!

**10Pups** · 05-23-2014, 03:53 PM

Great, you guys got them. Someday I will get to see one first hand then. Zak's collection is really something to see.

**Voidmonster** · 05-23-2014, 05:41 PM

Originally Posted by 10Pups

Great, you guys got them. Someday I will get to see one first hand then. Zak's collection is really something to see.

I really hope some day to see ScienceGuy's in person! He's got me beat hands down.

**Wolfpack34** · 05-23-2014, 06:11 PM

Great score guys! Absolutely beautiful...

**Phrank** · 05-23-2014, 06:14 PM

Beautiful set, they have the Square and Compasses, would these have belonged to a Freemason?

**Voidmonster** · 05-23-2014, 06:31 PM

Originally Posted by Phrank

Beautiful set, they have the Square and Compasses, would these have belonged to a Freemason?

In the case of John Barber, it's not very clear. My understanding is that it was (and is) strongly frowned upon for Freemasons to make products advertising their affiliation. Barber used the square and compass as his mark, it wasn't an occasional or specialty mark, but on all his goods. So far, I haven't seen anything contemporary to his production that talks about the mark, so I just don't know what to make of it.

**Wolfpack34** · 05-23-2014, 06:31 PM

Originally Posted by Phrank

Beautiful set, they have the Square and Compasses, would these have belonged to a Freemason?

Hey Phrank...

The 'Set Square & Divider' were his makers mark...as well as the 'Crown WOLF' mark (used originally by Shepherd). Although the compass and square are Masonic Symbols as well, these blades were not necessarily owned by a Freemason.

**Wolfpack34** · 05-23-2014, 06:32 PM

Originally Posted by Voidmonster

In the case of John Barber, it's not very clear. My understanding is that it was (and is) strongly frowned upon for Freemasons to make products advertising their affiliation. Barber used the square and compass as his mark, it wasn't an occasional or specialty mark, but on all his goods. So far, I haven't seen anything contemporary to his production that talks about the mark, so I just don't know what to make of it.

You beat me to it Zak!

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