What Was the Use of This Piece of French Flatware?

[dognose]

Hi,

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















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.

[dragonflywink]

Looks like a melon fork to me...

~Cheryl

[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

[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

[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.

[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

[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.

[dognose]

Hi AG2012 and JayT,

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

Trev.