What is the age of this fork?

[damiani1]

Found this fork today and I am wondering how old it is? I have no real experience in dating things so I would like to hear from other people, thanks!

 

[tamrock]

Based on old forks I've seen excavated that look like that from old forts out here in the western US. I'm thinking the last quarter 19th century, but it could very well be older and with in the 3rd quarter of the 19th century. Thats just my guess.

 

[damiani1]

Yea, I thought it looked quite similar to the civil war forks I was seeing on google images

 

[surf]

Hey damiani,

I think it's earlier. I'd like to see better photos, emphasizing the tines and shoulder, please. Three tines says prior to 1850, in the US, to me.

There really is not a decent history of the fork that I've been able to find online. Take a look at this Spoonful article: Saving Vermont History, One Silver Spoon At a Time | Collectors Weekly and note the discussion on shoulders.

 

[damiani1]

Sure thing I will get some better photos in a sec

 

[Mackaydon]

With that hole in it, it reminded me of a fork from a military utensil kit.
Don...

 

[surf]

Hey Don,

I believe it was to attach the bone / wood handle. Here's an earlier model:

 

[Mackaydon]

Surf,
That makes more sense, especially since the hole is also not slotted as in a utensil pack--though those other memories persist.
Don.......
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