~ Pair Of early 19th Century Silver Pastry Forks ~
Two delightful culinary antiques here, that we think date from just before the Victorian Era.
These dainty forks would have been both status symbols and paraphernalia of an age obsessed with expressing its civilisation through ritual and orderliness.
The forks notably are both designed for right-handed use (whilst the left held the small cake-laden plate) with a widened fourth tine, narrowing to a blade-tip for slicing éclairs and other such delicacies.
The shafts connect to ornate handles that feature lightly textured filigree leaves.
~ Dimensions ~
Both forks are 6 inches (15 cm) long.
Both are just under and inch wide (2.25 cm) .
They each weigh 15 grams.
~ Condition ~
No silversmith hallmarks, however scratch tests revealed these were .500 silver grade (50% silver 50% copper).
One of the forks has a slight (2 mm) dislocation from the sleeve of the handle.
Both forks show evidence of light tarnishing but otherwise these are charming, presentable and even functional pieces.
#5493