Leather Sheath for Knife from Oxford: 13th century

Medieval manuscript illustrations tell us that working men of many varieties carried large, single-edged personal knives either suspended from or thrust into the belt or girdle. The sheath or scabbard was essential, both for attachment and protection. Leather tanning industries were typical of towns, including Oxford so the sheath would have been locally made and fashioned - to judge from the quality of the decoration - as quickly and cheaply as possible. Although the knife inside has disappeared, the decoration of the sheath (probably made individually for the particular knife) reflects the two components of the tool inside, wooden handle and metal blade.

Finer sheaths have been found in waterlogged deposits in larger Medieval cities like York and London; nevertheless this sheath is charming with its little bird among the scrolls.