Scottish Private Die Dessert Fork, 1833

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.

This fiddle & thread pattern fork is one such piece and has a large, elaborate crest to the front terminal. This heavy, top quality fork was made by the most important Scottish silversmith of the 19th century - Robert Gray has often been termed as "the Paul Storr of the North". It is in excellent condition with full and even length tines and has crisp decoration with clear Glasgow hallmarks.