Fletcher & Gardiner Antique Coin Silver Dinner Forks, Philadelphia, c. 1810-20's

This is a magnificent set of six dinner forks by the famous and important Philadelphia firm of Thomas Fletcher and Sidney Gardiner.

These rare forks are in the Fiddle and Shell pattern and are single-struck, meaning the design is only on the front of the forks. They also have a lovely chamfered French-style shoulder (above the tines) with a beautiful curve. The backs are engraved with the original 'CC' monogram.

Thomas Fletcher and Sidney Gardiner ran the most important silversmithey of the young republic, receiving commissions to make the most significant presentation silver of their day, including: The DeWitt Clinton Urns (Erie Canal, now at the Met), The George Armistead Punch Service (Commander at Fort McHenry, now at the Smithsonian), The Isaac Hull Urn (Commander of the Constitution, now in the Naval Historical Foundation's collection), etc.

These exquisite forks are marked on the back with an eagle, 'F&G' within a rectangle, and 'P'(for Philadelphia). They measure 8 inches long, weigh an impressive 14.35 troy ounces and are in very good/ excellent antique condition with very light surface wear.