Whiting Aesthetic Movement Antique Sterling Silver Pickle Fork, NYC, c. 1885

Delightfully decorated with cucumber, vine, and leaves on both sides of the handle, this piece shows Charles Osborne's great design ability on a piece as small as a pickle serving fork. The undulating handle and vines are similar to the "Vine" pattern of Tiffany's, where Osborne worked as a designer from 1879-81. It is monogrammed on the back of the handle "Kathryn" in a cursive style and "S" in an old English style further down the handle.

Pickle forks lengthened as pickle castors became popular in the 1870s. (1) This is a wonderful example of that longer form.

Provenance:
Collection of Dale E. Bennett

Literature:
Dale E. Bennett, "A History of American Pickle Servers" in Silver Magazine, January/ February 2007, ill. p 40.

This rare server measures 9 inches long and is marked with Whiting's trademark lion and "STERLING" along the tines.  It is in excellent antique condition with light wear from use.

Endnote:

1. Dale E. Bennett, "A History of American Pickle Servers" in Silver Magazine, January/ February 2007, pp. 34-41.