Meriden Brittania Co 9" Carving Knife Carbon Steel Crown Stag 1852-1898

Meriden Brittania Co. (different from Meriden Cutlery Co. but also located in Meriden, Ct) was primarily a silverware manufacturer, but with the abundance of other manufacturers in Meriden, it also sold other cutlery. The blade is marked Meriden Brita  Co. but was likely made by Meriden Cutlery Co. 

Meriden Brittania Co used the pewter alloy Brittania developed in Sheffield, UK, in the late 18th century. It is composed of 92% tin, 6% antimony, and 2% copper and was used to make all sorts of items, like tea pots, or as a base metal to silverplate over (EPBM Electroplated Britannia Metal as seen on English silverplate)

Like all other culinary knives this should never go in the dishwasher, carving knife handles will come loose with high heat (dishwasher, stove top etc), carbon steel can rust if left wet or dirty, expect a patina to form with use.