The forks are fiddle pattern with the four tines showing just a little wear in places but the general condition of the forks is very good with clear hallmarks and crests. Each fork measures 18.8 cm in length.
John Nicholson and Nicholas Nicholson were in partnership from 1797 to 1824 and you can read all about the Nicholsons of Cork here:
http://www.925-1000.com/IProv_Nicholson.html
Hard to date these forks exactly, probably the early 1800s. The crest is that of the Coote family (the bird being a coot) with VINCIT VERITAS meaning 'truth conquers'. Possible families are those of Charles Robert Purdon, Esquire, of Ballyclough Castle and Bear Forest, Mallow, Co. Cork or Sir Algeron Charles Plumtre Bart. of Ballyfin, Queen's County (Co. Laois).
