Towle Dover Serving Fork

[hpidaves]

I am unsure of the piece type of this 5-3/4" serving fork -- Towle Dover sterling pattern. The piece has "1897" inscribed on the back of the handle at the top.

Thanks!

[JLDoggett]

That appears to be a beef fork.

[legrandmogol]

I think it might actually be a sardine fork. I think its too short to be a meat fork.

[hpidaves]

Thank you so much for your replies. I thought it might not be wide enough to be a sardine fork (1-1/8" at the tine tips), and it is quite short for a meat fork. Perhaps a small chipped beef fork? Did they make those in the late 1800s? I tried Replacements, but they have 4 pages of pieces in this pattern, with very few photos and measurements. I would ask them to identify it, but it has a monogram and they only identify pieces they are willing to purchase -- I don't know if they would want a monogrammed piece, and therefore wouldn't identify it. I might give it a try though and see what they think.

Thanks.

[JLDoggett]

The sardine fork's tines are about half as long as that and is not pierced. A beef fork is the same length as an individual salad fork (they are actually the same handle) that is wider and pierced.

[legrandmogol]

This is a copy of a page from an original catalog for the Towle Pattern 'Lafayette'. Sardine forks do usually look like small rakes though so I understand your confusion.

[legrandmogol]

As well all know there is no real uniformity to this stuff though. It was all just marketing.

[legrandmogol]

Here is some evidence that it is indeed a beef fork

[hpidaves]

I think it most likely is a beef fork. Replacements lists both a large and small chipped beef fork in the pattern, but no measurements or photos.

Thank you to all who helped!

Dave

[dognose]

Hi,

There was never any doubt it was a beef fork, once you got the answer from an ex-Towle silversmith.

JLDoggett is far too modest.

Trev.

[hpidaves]

Well then, a beef fork it is -- I doubt he made this one though :)

Thanks again.

[Casanmon7]

That appears to be a beef fork.

Hello, I am from Spain and I have a scribe with a punch that I can not find anywhere and do not know if it is silver or not.... can you help me ?
I don't know how to upload image to show it
Thank you and congratulations for the forum !!

[oel]

Hi welcome to the forum. For information how to attach and embedded images see:
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=42199

Peter.

[Casanmon7]

Admin edit

Please start a new topic with your question.

https://postimages.org (choose 'Share', then copy the 'Hotlink for forums' code) is recommended. Do not use Photobucket or Dropbox.

Ensure your images are embedded. Do not post links. Remember to use the 'Preview' button before submitting your post.

Trev.