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What Was the Use of This Piece of French Flatware?

Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2019 11:05 am
by dognose
Hi,

I've had some images sent to me of a unusual (to me) item:

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Can anyone suggest the purpose of this piece? It would appear to fish related, perhaps for filleting at the table?

Also, any thoughts on the maker would be appreciated, the marks are tiny and these were the best images that could be obtained. It's 'H & C', but the symbols are not clear, but maybe those of Hauvy Fils & Crampon of Paris?

All thoughts very welcome.

Trev.

Re: What Was the Use of This Piece of French Flatware?

Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2019 5:06 pm
by dragonflywink
Looks like a melon fork to me...

~Cheryl

Re: What Was the Use of This Piece of French Flatware?

Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2019 5:21 pm
by AG2012
Probably oyster fork.Short and curved tines help detach the oyster from the shell.
Two-pronged fork is for shellfish, snails and hors-d'oeuvre.
Regards

Re: What Was the Use of This Piece of French Flatware?

Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2019 5:42 pm
by dragonflywink
Try an internet search for "fourchettes à melon argent" and see what turns up - can probably dig up some catalog images when I have time...

~Cheryl

Re: What Was the Use of This Piece of French Flatware?

Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2019 5:57 pm
by dognose
Many thanks both of you for your thoughts. Following Cheryl's suggestion and Goggling that, it does indeed appear to be the intended use (though I think it would work equally well with oysters!).

Trev.

Re: What Was the Use of This Piece of French Flatware?

Posted: Sat Oct 12, 2019 3:59 am
by AG2012
Difficult to tell H&C. or H & Cie
If there is a rosebud above and a star below, with H & Cie, it could be Henin, (& Cie), Paris.
H&C. is for Hauvy fils & Crampon
Regards

Re: What Was the Use of This Piece of French Flatware?

Posted: Sun Oct 13, 2019 6:46 pm
by JayT
Definitely a melon fork, in an ever-popular Louis XV-type pattern. Melon forks measure about 15-21 cm long. Although they have 3 tines, oyster forks are shorter, measuring 12-15 cm.

David Allan illustrates a number of melon fork models.

Hénin also gets my vote as the maker.

Re: What Was the Use of This Piece of French Flatware?

Posted: Mon Oct 14, 2019 3:05 am
by dognose
Hi AG2012 and JayT,

Thanks to both of you for the additional information. I'll pass the details along to the owner.

Trev.