The largest and most beautiful private collection of European cutlery is being introduced to the public in this book for the first time. All types of cutlery of different materials from the Middle Ages (13th century) to modern times are illustrated; the author describes how cutlery was used at the tables of princes, peasants, and townsfolk, or how individual pieces were used purely as decorative objects. Each piece is illustrated in color and interesting details of cutlery finished in a particular artistic manner are depicted more extensively than ever before. The introductory and accompanying texts offer a general overview, while in the catalog each piece is described in a scholarly manner. Collectors and dealers will appreciate the section on marks, where all silver and blade marks are illustrated. An excellent survey of the development of cutlery over eight centuries.