David Oscarson – Ellis Island Collection - Ruby Red - knife

Ellis Island Collection

The Ellis Island folding knife pays tribute to the millions of people who entered the United States via Ellis Island between 1892 and 1954, laying the foundation for a modern America. The design incorporates key motifs of the historic site and combines them with meticulous craftsmanship.

The sterling silver scales feature flags of the countries from which most immigrants originated, executed in multi-level guilloche engraving and embellished with translucent and opaque enamel. The American flag is depicted in monochrome, in high relief. Beneath it is the well-known quote by Emma Lazarus, which to this day symbolizes acceptance and hope. Lady Liberty forms the background.

The surface is completely guilloched. The enamel is created from finely ground glass, applied layer by layer and fired at over 1,000 degrees Celsius. Each color requires its own firing process. The pieces are sanded multiple times, re-enameled, and fired again until all the relief structures are sealed. The result is a durable, glassy finish. This technique demands considerable expertise and is among the most demanding methods of decorative metal finishing.

The blade is made of Swedish Damasteel DS93X Damascus steel. A small diamond is set into both sides of the silver thumb stud.