Like a small pry bar

[kcole814]

I've looked through all the mystery objects and haven't found anything like it. I'm not sure if it's part of a flatware set or belongs to a larger piece. The assay mark is a Minerva's head and the maker's mark is "E - un canif de bureau - P" for Puiforcat. Any help is great appreciated!

http://i1076.photobucket.com/albums/w45 ... 48_349.jpg

http://i1076.photobucket.com/albums/w45 ... 47_221.jpg

http://i1076.photobucket.com/albums/w45 ... 05_548.jpg

[oel]

Hi welcome to the forum.

Perhaps a tool to get the meat out of a shell, snail or crab/lobster claw.
Crab forks are long and thin with two small tines. They are used to dig the meat out of the cracked claw. Usually made of stainless steel, some crab forks have rounded finger rests in the middle for easy handling and spooned ends for scooping.



Oel

[kcole814]

Possibly, but it seems rather thick for that purpose. I've googled every type of pick and haven't found anything remotely like it. Most flatware pieces in sterling silver tend to be much more ornate also. In my research, I've discovered that it's possible that this was owned by a German officer prior to WW2. I've been searching for more utilitarian purposes too.

[kcole814]

Upon further searching, I came across this page showing a flatware service with the crest on it. It does match this flatware service and so may, indeed, be a crab/lobster tool.

(admin edit - see Posting Requirements )

[kcole814]

Sorry for the auction link...it was the only photo I could find.