Description

Classic period pair of utensils made specifically for the traveler and military market. No maker mark on this high end example with polished bone pinned handles and a plated spoon. These folding eating implements are very well documented to the period in soldier’s personal effects in both the enlisted and officer’s ranks. (Lord’s Vol V, pg 136, CCW, AEU, &tc.) The attaching handle sets are more commonly associated with the humble soldier and the separate pieces with officers and travelling gentlemen but it is simply incorrect to make any exclusive inferences. These separate pieces were sold by sutler and merchants, more so in the early war period but also throughout the conflict. They came in simple pouches and leather rolls as well as fancy leather and card stock cases with cut glass cups, silver capped flasks, &tc. &tc. Very nice early style fork configuration. (do not believe the dogma about the number of tynes a fork should have to date it – it was about cost, not the period – having said that – yes three tyne forks dominated the period and a couple of decades afterward, two tynes earlier – but that is still primarily about cost and market – many 4 and even 5 tyne forks are documented to the period and pre-war era) I estimate this set as 1840-60s – high end with a flared three tyne fork. The spoon has the classic shape and size of the era and spoon bowl is plated as was found on many high end sets. The shape of handles is also indicative of an earlier and higher end set. The cork screw in the handle of the fork is yet another confirming feature. Nice and tight mechanisms and the bolsters appear to be plated in the same manner as the spoon. It is most common to see only the spoon plated in both two and three piece sets, if done at all. (these were sold commonly as spoon and fork only, although some sets did include a knife – a knife was a common item for any man to already have available) Excellent condition with only a small drying crack visible in one side of the spoon handle. Commonly found missing pieces of the handles, cracked all over, etc. – and highly collectible in that condition none the less – not this time –  this as nice of a two piece set you will find on the loose. Happy to have it to offer you.