This is an American Brilliant Period antique hand faceted cut crystal knife rest in a barbell shape with a hexagonal paneled bar and faceted ball ends tapering to points like lemon reamers from the 1880-1910. The knife rest measures 5 inches long by 1.25 inches in diameter and is pictured in American Cut & Engraved Glass by Swan on page 171. The crystal knife rest came from an estate collection of knife rests and is in very good +++ condition with no cracks or major chips but does have a few very minor, what are called fleabite facet chips which is consistent with age and use.

   Knife rests were developed but the clever victorians to hold your dinner knife between courses to save washing them and also to keep the table cloth clean.