Emma Design - Antique Silver

Description

Superb Silver & Mother of Pearl, 18th.century Fruit Fork
Hallmarked with the king`s head duty mark, and crown for Sheffield, above maybe, an O or Q, for 1793 or 1795.
The maker`s mark is probably hidden on the tang - seen several times on broken knives.
A superb, large fruit fork in absolutely unused condition.
The tines, which in this case are plain, are perfectly straight and sharp.The tines open and close correctly, to the fully open, 90 degree, and closed positions, but without the snap. They were very stiff from lack of use, but, now, are beginning to loosen up..

Attractive, straight Mother of Pearl scales to both sides, and three raised silver rivits holding the fork together.
A wide, oval cartouche with the original owner`s initials, MB.
Poor but legible hallmarks and clean deep thumb nail groove.
Unused condition, about 230 years old.

Open length:- 166 millimetres.
Closed length:- 89 mms.
Weight:- 29.0 grams.