Toasting Fork
1797-1798 (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, with wooden handle |
| Brief description | Silver and wood, London hallmarks for 1797-8, mark of T. Phipps and E. Robinson |
| Physical description | Handle of circular section decorated with turned mouldings; small silver ferrule at the top carrying a suspension ring. Triple hooked toast holder and three pronged fork both hinged to a tapering socket. |
| 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.27-1961 |
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| Record created | September 10, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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