Fork
1800-1810 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
Until the 17th century, it was the custom for guests to bring their personal cutlery, but by the 18th century knives and forks were provided in matching sets by the host. The basic form of knives and forks had also become standardised by this date.
Design
By the mid-18th century, table knives and forks were usually made in sets and decorated to match the rest of the cutlery. By the end of the 18th century the standard pistol-shaped haft (handle) gave way to straighter, flat-ended hafts. Forks generally had smaller hafts. The knife blade is usually of sabre, or scimitar, shape. The steel blades and shanks have a 'tang' or rod at the base that fits into the hollow handle, which is then packed with resin. The junction between haft and blade is fitted with a small metal collar, or 'ferrule'.
Materials & Making
A wide range of materials have been employed as hafts since the early 17th century. Ivory remained popular into the 19th century. This example is additionally decorated with inlaid silver wire.
Until the 17th century, it was the custom for guests to bring their personal cutlery, but by the 18th century knives and forks were provided in matching sets by the host. The basic form of knives and forks had also become standardised by this date.
Design
By the mid-18th century, table knives and forks were usually made in sets and decorated to match the rest of the cutlery. By the end of the 18th century the standard pistol-shaped haft (handle) gave way to straighter, flat-ended hafts. Forks generally had smaller hafts. The knife blade is usually of sabre, or scimitar, shape. The steel blades and shanks have a 'tang' or rod at the base that fits into the hollow handle, which is then packed with resin. The junction between haft and blade is fitted with a small metal collar, or 'ferrule'.
Materials & Making
A wide range of materials have been employed as hafts since the early 17th century. Ivory remained popular into the 19th century. This example is additionally decorated with inlaid silver wire.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Ivory, inlaid with silver wire, with steel tines |
| Dimensions |
|
| Gallery label | British Galleries:
As dining practices were formalised towards the end of the 18th century, the design of cutlery became increasingly standardised. The earlier flamboyant forms and decoration of the hafts, or handles, gradually gave way to more restrained forms. They were enhanced by subtle details such as the inlaid silver wire and chamfered corners on these examples.(27/03/2003) |
| Credit line | Bequeathed by Reginald Dyson |
| Object history | Made in London; marked with a king's head and lion passant |
| Summary | Object Type Until the 17th century, it was the custom for guests to bring their personal cutlery, but by the 18th century knives and forks were provided in matching sets by the host. The basic form of knives and forks had also become standardised by this date. Design By the mid-18th century, table knives and forks were usually made in sets and decorated to match the rest of the cutlery. By the end of the 18th century the standard pistol-shaped haft (handle) gave way to straighter, flat-ended hafts. Forks generally had smaller hafts. The knife blade is usually of sabre, or scimitar, shape. The steel blades and shanks have a 'tang' or rod at the base that fits into the hollow handle, which is then packed with resin. The junction between haft and blade is fitted with a small metal collar, or 'ferrule'. Materials & Making A wide range of materials have been employed as hafts since the early 17th century. Ivory remained popular into the 19th century. This example is additionally decorated with inlaid silver wire. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.40F-1943 |
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| Record created | May 28, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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