Gorham Antique Sterling Silver Rare Hamburg Oyster Forks, Providence, RI, c. 1880

'Hamburg' is a very rare, interesting and fun design. In the 1885 Gorham Records at the John Hay Library at Brown University, this 2-tine fork style is identified as being for oysters (although they are regularly sold as fruit or berry forks). Above the twist handles are flattened areas of irregular shapes. The surfaces of both sides are textured, resembling excavated rock, with the fronts having impressions of various animals. Included are frogs, a butterfly, a lobster, a crab and various fish. 

Provenance: Private Collection.

These wonderful forks are marked "STERLING" and "C"- a mystery mark Gorham used on this pattern. They measure 6 inches long, weigh 4.65 troy ounces, have never been monogrammed, and are in excellent antique condition.