POST MEDIEVAL TOY

1700

A cast double-tined toy fork with an integral handle, the greater parts of the tines are missing. The handle, with a flat section and rounded sides, is decorated on both faces with rocker-arm engraving, and tapers to a narrow stem, which swells slightly before expanding to the prongs. The space between the prongs has been filed from both sides to a sharp edge. Length >47mm. Width (at break) 7.5mm. Geoff Egan notes that the form of the handle is similar to the handles of full-size forks of the mid 18th century. Engraving of this type is unusual at such a late date and “ may have been intended to appeal to young eyes”. For an example with a similar swelling on the handle see Forsyth with Egan 2005, 134, fig. 3.3.