Details - South Georgia Museum

Knife and sheath; Mr William Mackay; SGHT.2011.27

Name/TitleKnife and sheath

About this object‘Norwegian’ bushcraft knife with a handcrafted handle made of bakelite, perspex and sperm whale tooth. The handle was created by William Mackay while working on whaling ship the Southern Harvester in the 1950s.

Mackay also sailed with the Southern Venturer and spent 3 winters overwintering at Leith Harbour.

The knife came to the museum in a sheath designed with a reindeer motif.

MakerMr William Mackay

Maker RoleARTIST

Medium and MaterialsSteel, bakelite, perspex and sperm whale tooth

Inscription and MarksSheath:
Inscription Position 1: Front of sheath; Method: Leather embossed ; Content: Reindeer motif

MeasurementsKnife: H. 30mm ; L. 215mm
Sheath: H. 40mm ; L. 190mm

Subject and Association KeywordsSOUTHERN HARVESTER

Subject and Association KeywordsSouthern venturer

Subject and Association KeywordsLEITH HARBOUR

CollectionGIFT

Credit LineWith thanks to Mr William Mackay.

Object TypeSocial history

Object numberSGHT.2011.27