Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number CAS 0389-1614   CAS 0389-1614; Fork
Category Carvings; Culinary Items
Object Name Fork
Culture Dutch or possibly German
Global Region Europe
Country Netherlands or possibly Germany
State/Prov./Dist.
County
Other Geographic Data
Maker's Name Unknown
Date of Manufacture early 1700s, probably
Collection Name Rietz Collection of Food Technology
Materials Metal: Steel; Ivory: walrus tusk; Silver
Description Four-tined steel fork with silver bolster and carved ivory handle; Handle has three torsos with four heads above the torsos and another set of four heads above that; From BRL 1982: “Table fork, Dutch or possibly German; Super ornate walrus ivory carved handle, represents 8 bewigged male heads on 3 bodies; Three represent clergy (with cross), soldier (with dagger), navigator (with anchor); Top decoration broken; Four tine steel fork; Probably early 18th century.”
Dimensions (cm) Width = 2.0, Thickness = 1.8, Length = 19.4