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Dinner Fork

Decorative Arts and Design

On View: Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor
MEDIUM Silver plate
DATES ca. 1869
DIMENSIONS 7 1/2 x 1 1/16 x 1/2 in. (19.1 x 2.7 x 1.3 cm)
MARKINGS Stamped on back: "PAT.APPL'D FOR" and "REED & BARTON 4 " and "PAT'D MAR 30, 1869".
SIGNATURE no signature
INSCRIPTIONS no inscriptions
ACCESSION NUMBER 88.156.6
CREDIT LINE Gift of Robert Tuggle
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Dinner fork with four tines; the two inner tines are straight and slightly narrower than the external tines. The decoration of the handle begins just high of center with semi-circular volutes; from this point the handle flattens and becomes wider gradually, curving outward and reaching widest point, then gradually tapers. Handle has arched ears and a pointed top. Top projection is decorated with nine radiating lines (stems) with drop-shape flowers. Top is engraved with the letters "AT" in script, a pyramid-shaped reserve, framed with a raised line border. Borders begin with inward-curved volutes, which terminate at base of pyramid incurved volutes. In bottom of each corner is a molded design, consisting of an exotic stylized plant with nine drop-shaped petals, each attached to down-curved lines (stems.) Below this, in center do downward-bent stems join a fan design consisting of drop-shaped petals, each. Below this is a rectangular division framed by a raised line border within which is a crosshatched pattern with each point of intersection marked by a dot motif. Below this is a stylized flower with a pendent stem; the top is pointed at center and flanked by a down-curved volute on either side. A raised line border frames this semi-circular projection of stem with incurved volutes at top; at bottom, the borders arch out, join to bottom to form a point. Below this is a stylized anthemion motif. On the reverse, beginning at top, are nine radiating leaves attached to bent lines (stems). A line border with incurved terminals frames the triangular-shaped reserve. Neck of handle is framed with a line border without curved scrolled terminals (at top) and the base is crossed with a C-scroll on either side. This final decorative element consists of a double border C-scroll, one on either side, joining below to form a V formation. Orient Pattern. Condition: Fair; there are several scratches on the fork tines; silver-plate has broken down near the tine tops. The overall surface has been attacked by a yellow discoloration.
MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor
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