Private Die Holly Dessert Fork

This is rare example of a Holly Pattern silver dessert fork, that is all the more scarce for the raised crest to the front terminal - denoting a private die. This Holly pattern fork has crisp double struck decoration and is fine condition with full and even length tines.

Private dies were used by the most affluent in society to produce their own bespoke flatware service. Dies were specially made to incorporate the family crest - these differ from standard dies that produced items in the pattern with the optional addition of a crest or initials that were engraved individually to each piece. Therefore die-struck crests are in relief and integral to the piece rather than engraved. They are scarce and pieces can be difficult to find.