ID weird fork?

[candi bowen]

As described in the subject, the use of this fork totally eludes me. It's about 9.75" long & has a retractable stand. In the photo it looks gold, but it's actually silver in color. May be plated. The mark is PAT'D NE.19.1888. Just a guess but that's probably a patent date. Any ideas? Cheryl? Thank you, Candi.

http://www.putfile.com/candibowen/images/96480

[dragonflywink]

It's a carving fork, part of a set that would have included a knife and perhaps a sharpening steel, the "stand" is a folding guard to protect the fingers from being cut. It is silverplate, I might be able to find the pattern for you.

~Cheryl

[candi bowen]

Oy. Now it makes sense. Maybe someday I can answer someone else's questions. Thanks!

Candi