Three-pronged Irish Table Forks, 1718

This is an extremely rare set of Irish 3-pronged table forks. 3-pronged forks from the early 18th century are very scarce, but to find an Irish set is particularly pleasing. The set is of six is composed of five original Irish examples and a faithful copy replacement made to match by Crichton Brothers of London in the 1950's.

These forks have a good hefty feel to them and have a pleasing feel in the hand. Despite, their great age they remain in excellent condition with good length tines. Each fork is crested to the reverse terminal with an ostrich eating a snake. The Irish hallmarks are excellent. Each one bears a legible date letter from date letter Cycle IV that was only used for 3 years and the "WA" initials of the apprentice to David King, William Archdall (see Bennett ref. 521). A truly fine set of forks.