Toasting Fork
1735-1736 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This toasting fork was used to toast bread in front of an open fire. The person using it stuck a piece of bread onto the fork tines (prongs) and held the bread in front of the fire until it was done. When it was not being used, the fork could be hung up by its suspension ring.
By about 1800, some toasting forks had telescopic handles with some three to four slides so the length could be reduced when the fork was not in use. The silver handles were sometimes engraved with decoration, the owner’s initials or a dedication from a donor.
By about 1800, some toasting forks had telescopic handles with some three to four slides so the length could be reduced when the fork was not in use. The silver handles were sometimes engraved with decoration, the owner’s initials or a dedication from a donor.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Silver head with ebony handle |
| Brief description | Silver and wood, London hallmarks for 1735-6, mark of I.W. |
| Physical description | Wooden handle decorated with turned mouldings. Three pronged fork, pierced with two circles and a lozenge. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions |
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| Credit line | Bequeathed by Louis C.G. Clarke |
| Object history | Bequest - Dr. Louis C G Clarke Acquisition RF: 61 / 44 |
| Summary | This toasting fork was used to toast bread in front of an open fire. The person using it stuck a piece of bread onto the fork tines (prongs) and held the bread in front of the fire until it was done. When it was not being used, the fork could be hung up by its suspension ring. By about 1800, some toasting forks had telescopic handles with some three to four slides so the length could be reduced when the fork was not in use. The silver handles were sometimes engraved with decoration, the owner’s initials or a dedication from a donor. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.25-1961 |
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| Record created | September 10, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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