Two-tine forks (set of four)

1825-1850

Maker

Probably William Sanderson (c. 1796-1858)

Measurements

6-1/8 in x 5/8 in x 1/2 in

Materials

Steel and bone

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp

Accession Number

1959.4159

Provenance

Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp

Comments

Each fork has two tines, which appear to have been cut from a solid band of steel.  The shaft swells slightly in the center.  It forms a tang to which both halves of the bone handle are riveted, using brass rivets that do not oxidize or stain.

These forks appear to be a set with six knives (accession nos. 1959.4158.1-.6).  Both knives and forks have the same pinning pattern on the handles.  The knives are marked by Sheffield whitesmith William Sanderson (c. 1796-1858), which suggests that these forks were also made by him.  Sanderson worked in his own company from 1825 until his sons joined in 1850, when the business name was changed accordingly.