Table Knife from the Refectory

A table knife with a silver-plated handle and a stainless-steel blade shows clear signs of wear. The notably greater length of this piece of cutlery, only familiar to us these days in a flea market, indicates its origin from a bygone era. The silver plating signifies the association of this object with an upscale milieu. It bears the stamp “Karlsruher Studentenhaus”, identifying it as part of the inventory of the refectory established in 1930 for students at Karlsruhe Polytechnic. The knife’s design reflects the elite status of students at a time when only a small percentage of the German population went to college — unlike today, with approximately 55 percent pursuing higher education. A century ago, the Polytechnic had around 1,200 students, a stark contrast to the approximately 22,000 at KIT today. Students at Karlsruhe Polytechnic could benefit from the infrastructure of a student residence fully equipped to meet their needs. This facility included a refectory with a terrace café and refreshment counter, living quarters, a reading room, a study, a games room, and even a ballroom with a stage. The knife’s journey to KIT Archives underscores the appreciation of the amenities provided by the Studentenhaus. An alumnus, who had kept the knife since his student days, returned it at 91 years of age. It is unlikely that absconded cafeteria cutlery from the postwar period will be cherished so much in the future. kn