Object ID
1995.59.15
Object Name
Knife & Sheath
Object Collection
Material
Metal
Object Entities
Polley, Theodore (is related to)
Policandriotes, John (is related to)
Object Description
Commemorative knife and accompanying sheath. Sheath is covered with with metal embellishments, decorative wire, and red velvet. The center of the sheath is accessorized in red velvet with decorative metal wire making 'X' shape across the top of the red velvet. A metal relief of an eagle and a snake adorn the sheath above the red velvet section. Below the red velvet, a red jewel inset. The tip of the sheath has a metal embellishment shaped like a tassel. There is a chain attached to the sheath. The handle of the dagger is decorated with etched designs including circles and flowers. The end of the handle folds in on itself. The handle widens out at the point where it attaches to the blade. The blade is long and silver and has decorative cuts in it that resemble branches or vines. In the center of the blade, the number "1821" is etched. This is most likely commemorative of the Greek revolution of 1821. The blade is in too good of shape to be from 1821.
Origin
Dr. Theodore Z. Polley was born on February 22, 1915 to parents John Policandriotes and Marlo Contos. He was raised in Joliet, Illinois and attended school there until 1937, when he attended University of Illinois. By 1941 he had become a medical doctor. He has gained associate professorships at numerous Universities, sat on the board of many hospitals and medical organizations, and operated a private practice in Joliet. He married Catherine Cordogan in 1942 and has had three children. These items probably were not used by him, though. Judging by the age of the items, they were most likely used by his parents and had been passed down to him.

In 1821, Greece won its independence from the Ottoman Empire and founded the First Kingdom of Greece. This knife commemorates that victory.
Rights and Reproduction
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Citation
Knife & Sheath, Dr. Theodore Polley Collection, National Hellenic Museum, https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/10115. Accessed 03/29/24.