R. & W. Wilson
Fish Fork and Knife

MakerAmerican, partnership active 1825–1846
CultureAmerican
Titles
  • Fish Fork and Knife
Datec. 1835–1845
Made inPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
MediumSilver
DimensionsVarious dimensions
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Dr. William P. Hood, Jr.
Object numberB.2008.10.1,.2
Current Location
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Metals Study Room
Exposé

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Department
Bayou Bend
Object Type
DescriptionThe fish set was introduced during the 19th-century and designed for serving fish at the table. Its predecessor, resembling wooden-handled trowels with pierced decorated blades, was a form first introduced in the late-18th century. By the mid-19th century, the slice was re-contoured and now accompanied by a matching fork. During the period of the fish set’s popularity, no other service pieces were as richly ornamented and few surpassed its scale.
Provenance Research Ongoing Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Stamped on back of handle: "R. & W. WILSON"
Stamped on back of handle: "PHILADA"

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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