Victorian English Sterling Silver Table Forks, 1870, Set of 6

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A fine set of Victorian sterling silver table forks in the classic Old English pattern, fully hallmarked for Exeter 1870 … Read more A fine set of Victorian sterling silver table forks in the classic Old English pattern, fully hallmarked for Exeter 1870 and made by Thomas Hart Stone. Each fork displays the elegant simplicity characteristic of the Old English pattern, with gently shaped terminals providing a refined backdrop for the particularly interesting heraldic decoration. The terminals are finely hand engraved with individual heraldic crests and coats of arms. The imagery includes a serpent entwined around a bird of prey and a long-horned bull, giving the set considerable decorative and heraldic interest. The restrained form of the flatware contrasts beautifully with the intricate hand engraving, reflecting the quality and attention to detail associated with Victorian English silversmithing. The forks bear full Exeter hallmarks for 1870 together with the maker’s mark of Thomas Hart Stone, whose mark was registered during the period 1863–1871. Antique Exeter silver is particularly appealing to collectors due to the assay office having ceased operations in the 19th century, making surviving hallmarked pieces an increasingly desirable area of British silver collecting. A distinguished set of Victorian sterling silver flatware combining classic Old English design, unusual heraldic engraving and desirable Exeter hallmarks. Material: Sterling silver Origin: Exeter, England Date: 1870 Period: Victorian / 19th Century Maker: Thomas Hart Stone Pattern: Old English Decoration: Hand-engraved heraldic crests / coats of arms Hallmarks: Exeter 1870 Type: Table forks See less