18th Century French Fork

[Granmaa]

Can anyone identify the marks on what I presume to be a French fork?

Miles

[dognose]

Hi Miles,

I think this will turn out to be one of the more fascinating pieces that we've seen on the forum. The Charge and Discharge marks are from La Rochelle. It is the defacement of the crowns on the marks which is so interesting, no doubt caused by the revolution.

Trev.

[Granmaa]

Well spotted, Trev! I thought that was just part of the marks.

[Francais]

La Rochelle, 1777 squirrel discharge mark, H Charge mark. Maker Jean Baptiste CHASLON master 1760, garde 1769-72 elected Third Estate 1789 & 1792.
An interesting piece, it would be nice to see the engraving.
La Rochelle is one of the prettiest harbors in France, now somewhat blighted by loud youths.
Maurice

[Granmaa]

Thank you, Maurice.
I will try to get a photo of the engraving next week.

Miles

[Granmaa]

As promised.