Description
Antique English Sterling Silver Dessert Fork
Antique English sterling silver dessert fork by Martin, Hall & Co, hallmarked from London in 1875.
In good order and measures 186mm in length.
DATE | 1875 |
MAKER or SPONSOR MARK | Martin, Hall & Co |
ASSAY OFFICE | London |
WEIGHT (Grammes) | 44.9 |
WEIGHT (Troy) | 1.44 |
REF:- | 393K |
London silversmiths, renowned throughout the world, produced some of the finest silver items.
The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office in London is also known as Assay Office London or the London Assay Office. It is the oldest assay office in the United Kingdom. The company has provided hallmarking services since it was founded in the 14th century. They received their royal charter in 1327.
Hallmarking dates back to the 14th century. Edward I of England passed a law requiring any item made of silver, if offered for sale, to be of a certain quality. The silver must be at least of equal quality as that of the coin of the silver currency of the realm.
Fork comes from the Latin furca or pitchfork. The fork is a utensil now often made of stainless steel but previously of silver. Simply described, the long handle terminates in a head that branches into several narrow and often slightly curved tines with which one spears food.