2 foot long Extendable Toasting Fork, 1809 Weeks's Museum

This is a rare Georgian silver toasting fork with the ability to be used at varying different lengths and an interesting provenance.

There are four telescopic sections that fit in to each other and at full stretch is a massive 2 foot length! The fork itself has three sharp tines for holding toast or marshmallows close to a fire, whilst the user can sit a good distance away.

Each section bears London 1809 hallmarks with the "GC" maker's mark for George Cowles. The final section is further engraved "Bt (bought) at Weeks's Museum, Tichborne St."

Thomas Weeks (1743-1834) was the proprietor of Weeks's Museum of automata, clocks, temples, and other objects of curiosity. His museum of mechanical curiosities was founded in Tichborne Street from 1788. This telescopic silver toasting fork was evidently bought at the museum and was numbered 1138.

The fork has survived in remarkably good condition with the sections still tightening well when the fork is full extended. There are a few very minor bruises to the final section - each section being a hollow tube. A very rare and interesting curiosity.