William Gale
Fish Knife and Fork

MakerAmerican, 1779–1845, active 1821–1845
CultureAmerican
Titles
  • Fish Knife and Fork
Date1852
Made inNew York , New York, United States
MediumSilver
Dimensions(Knife): 13 1/2 × 1 7/8 in. (34.3 × 4.8 cm)
(Fork): 10 5/8 × 1 7/8 in. (27 × 4.8 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Phyllis and Charles Tucker
Object numberB.2007.12.1,.2
Current Location
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Metals Study Room
On view

Explore Further

Department
Bayou Bend
Object Type
Description

This impressive set of flatware is recognized as a masterpiece of the Gothic Revival design. Introduced during the 1840s, the style was the latest in a succession of interpretations which initially were revived in England during the mid-18th century. 

This aesthetic is closely identified with William Gale, one of the principal innovators in the history of American silver. In 1826, he patented a process by which a silver blank intended for a piece of flatware could be run through a roller die and emerge with the raised decoration struck on both sides. In 1847, Gale, along with Nathaniel Hayden, patented the flatware pattern Gothic (see B.81.8). 

The fish set was introduced during the 19th-century and designed for serving fish at the dining 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. 

Related example: Historic Charleston Foundation, South Carolina.


Provenance Research Ongoing Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Stamped on the blade: "Wm GALE & SON" 1 G
" 5 2 " (in a triangle) "&" (in an oval)
8 S
"PATENTED 1847" (in a rectangle)

Scratched on the handle: "1539"

Stamped on the blade in a rectangle: "PATENTED 1847"

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.

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