www.925-1000.com

This is a heavy (453grams) sterling silver fork by Whiting Mfg. Co. and I would like any assistance in identifying the pattern. Thank you.

Sorry, that should have read 43 grams. I don't know how to edit.

Good morning,

Even though the mark does appear to be a double strike, it does seem to be Whiting but I have drawn a complete blank here, silverflatwarefashions, and just looking through the net. Was not even able to find a single other example of your pattern.

There are numerous others here far more experienced, good luck in your search.

Warren

Thanks for your feedback. There is rarely a pattern that I cannot identify, or at least say I've seen before, especially when it's this bold and striking, but this one has me completely stumped. I realize there are many undocumented Whiting patterns, and I've also come across many undocumented Baker-Manchester patterns (which I always try to photograph and send in to sterling flatware fashions), but usually they are in a spoon rather than a full-sized fork, which (to me anyway) would denote the existence of an entire flatware set as opposed to a simple souvenir-style series. I find it surprising though that a pattern this exemplary has not surfaced somewhere. Likely it's one of the numbered patterns from the late 1890's -1900 similar to No. 28 with the heavy sea life motif.

Just doing some follow up on yur comments by searching through a new blog site I found; Silver Pieces: the strange and peculiar, no luck.

Went back to replacements Whiting had 36,340 hits. Walked through the 850 forks listed, there were only approximately six with no images. Still a blank. Was also looking at #28, F.M. Whiting pattern Galdstone, and Gorham's pattern 475 just to see if searching for similar designs will bring this pattern to the surface. Zero.

I'm sure t is also possible that besides being a undocumented pattern it could have also been a failed prototype that was never produced or a special order that was never produced in large numbers.

Best of luck
W

Perusing a popular auction site today I came across a spoon with a baby face in the bowl in this exact pattern being sold by a reputable antiques/ sterling dealer who had it described thus: "pattern number 2969 by Whiting Silversmiths, c.1885...This special cast spoon is 5 7/8" long and weighs a substantial 47 grams or 1.5 ozs. Troy."

So the mystery is solved!!! I've contacted them to inquire as to the source of their knowledge, and will report back when found.
Very excited!

Well congratulations,

Just looked at that posted item, certainly doesn't hurt when the pattern number is stamped on the back but am also curious what source is dating it to 1885. Engraved George and 05 on the back as well. Must say as stunning as the spoon is the child's face in the bowl is some what ghost like.

Well done!
W

"certainly doesn't hurt when the pattern number is stamped on the back"

In my excitement I failed to see that! Obviously that's where they found the pattern number. Thanks for pointing that out! What seems so very strange to me is why have a baby face on the bowl of a spoon that is so LARGE??? Obviously, these were not intended for an actual baby to ever use, unless it's a very strong baby! ;)