Cocktail Fork
Decorative Arts and Design
On View: Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor
MEDIUM
Silver-plate
DATES
ca. 1890
DIMENSIONS
6 x 3/4 x 1/2 in. (15.2 x 1.9 x 1.3 cm)
MARKINGS
Stamped on back: "(anchor) Rogers (anchor) AA"
SIGNATURE
Unsigned
INSCRIPTIONS
no inscriptions
ACCESSION NUMBER
88.156.5
CREDIT LINE
Gift of Robert Tuggle
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Cocktail fork with stamped and highly elaborate asymmetrical, decorated handle. The asymmetrical decoration follows the form of the handle shape; the right edge is gradually arched and terminates at top to point. The left edge is unevenly scalloped and harmoniously conforms to the over-all surface decoration, this decoration (from top) consists of nine plumes, which are graduated in size, and metamorphose into decorative beading; enveloping the right edge. The plumes frame a highly polished undecorated crest. Below the crest are seven raised vertical lines, which are interrupted at bottom by three scrolled leaves that border an arched pattern of beading. The beading frames a rolled acanthus leaf. Next to leafy sprig is a second rolled acanthus leaf that is bordered on its right edge by five small scallops. A three-part leafy stalk, the stem of which runs down the remaining left edge of the handle, frames the left center of handle. The center (lower half) is decorated with a vertical band of beading. The decoration on handle reverse begins with a volute at center with a line border that extends around the left edge, interrupted midway by two C-scrolls and a foliate sprig between them. The line border then continues down the left interrupted again by a scalloped shell motif, and then continues and ends at the shoulder of the fork. The scalloped asymmetrical right edge of handle is decorated with a scrolling and spreading leaf motif; followed below by a voluted edge that becomes a stylized shell. The remaining border consists of the raised line border, which is interrupted midway by a shell. Pequot Pattern.
Condition: Good; there are some minor surface scratches.
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