SILVER-MOUNTED EBONY TOASTING FORK
About This Project
Silver-mounted ebony toasting fork
Thomans Phipps & Edward Robinson
London, 1796
82,5 cm long
The elongated ebony handle is mounted with a silver sheath with three- pronged fork. The other end has a silver mount with suspension ring. Fully marked on the fork.
A toasting fork was used to toast bread, cheese or apples by holding the pronged end in front of an open fire. Many 18th century toasting forks, like this ebony one with silver mounts, had a built-in suspension ring on one end, which allowed them to be hung when not in use. The elongated wood handle prevented the heat of the fire to be conducted to the hand.
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