WILLIAM & MARY TREFID SWEETMEAT FORK
England, c1690
Somewhat rare, the silver-gilt three-tine fork with a very nice French-forked terminal, the front
and back with engraved foliate decoration surrounding un-monogrammed ovals to the terminal;
unmarked as was often the case in early sweetmeat cutlery
Condition: Excellent, with crisp engraving to each side; good tines and good color to gilding
Note:
Small spoons, forks and knives were made in the late 17th century, sometimes as travelling cutlery that would have
fit in a small case. Forks had existed since biblical times. However, they were quite slow to catch on in England.
The earlier British clergy contended that God gave people fingers for eating, and declared forks to be diabolical (forks
sometimes then referred to as "pitchforks", having the same Latin root furca). 17th century sweetmeat and sucket
forks were an exception, being for staining and sticky foods that could not be picked up with the fingers. The
three tines representing the thumb and two first fingers, then proper for transporting solid foods to the mouth.
4-1/8” Long / .2 oz.
SOLD
#5906
We welcome and encourage all inquiries. We will make every attempt to answer any questions you might have.
For information, call (901) 761-1163 or (901) 827-4668 or email mfcreech@bellsouth.net
American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Discover accepted
|
Accessories Ceramics Early Asian Ceramics Fine Art Furniture Glassware Silver Home
|