Rare Georgian Silver Fork, 1831

We are unsure of the exact original purpose of this Georgian silver fork, however the most likely suggestion would be as an invalid's fork - a variant of the so-called Nelson's Knife - used by Napoleonic War veteran amputees as a combined knife and fork. Alternative candidates would be for use with cake or fish. Other ideas are welcome!

The outer cutting tine resembles that of the cake fork which was introduced during the 1920's, but the open section above the tines of this fork suggests a need for drainage and so in combination with the cutting tine, might be ideal for oily fish such as sardines. The Nelson knife tends to have a removable steel cutting blade attached to fork tines, but this piece was perhaps useful for more readily cut food, such as fish.

Made by the top silver spoonmaker William Eaton, this 6" fork has a good solid feel and is finely engraved to the fiddle pattern terminal with an engraved crest above script initials. A fabulous piece of interesting Georgian silver.