Gorham Antique Sterling Silver 'Silence' Egyptian Sardine Fork, Providence, RI, c. 1870

This very rare sardine fork features two cast seated Egyptian figures near the bottom of the handle. This design gets referred to as the 'Silence' pattern, but we haven't been able to confirm that in any primary documentation. Decorating the area around the tines is lovely engraving, and a tiny 'M' initial is engraved on the back drop of the handle.

Created using multiple parts, this serving fork has a slender handle of solid sterling wire which is curved at the top.  A disk with a rope-decorated edge is placed just under the curve.

An identical piece is pictured in a great article in Silver Magazine and is identified as a sardine fork. The sardine fork in the article is now part of The Bayou Bend Collection at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. (1)

Provenance: Private Collection.

This rare item is marked with Gorham's trademark and 'STERLING.' It measures 7 inches long, weighs 1.30 troy ounces, has never been monogrammed, and is in excellent antique condition.

Endnote:

1. "American Silver Flatware in the Egyptian Revival Style, Part II" by Charles S. Curb, William P. Hood, Jr., John R. Olson, and Dale E. Bennett, in Silver Magazine, July/ August 2003, pp. 20-27.