1774 Superb Quality / Hand Made Silver & MOP Handle Small Carving / Bread Fork

American War of Independence

In 1774, the phenomenon known as loyalism first appeared, as did the term "Loyalist." The emergence of people who called themselves Loyalists signaled an important change in the colonial political climate, for their presence implied the existence of the opposite phenomenon: people who were openly disloyal. Before 1774, most politically aware Americans were united in criticizing policies about colonial taxation and governance that Parliament adopted after the end of the Seven Years' War in 1763. Conservatives and radicals debated methods of resistance, but well into the 1770s free colonists uniformly identified themselves as loyal subjects of King George III and gloried in their membership to the British Empire. For revolution to occur, that identification as loyal Britons had to change: some men and women had to start thinking differently about America's relationship with empire, while others persisted in retaining their traditional loyalty to the Crown.


Ex estate so unfortunately no history is known about the item, but the above slice of history may provide an answer !!!! No makers marks or hallmarks, but the style, design and engravings possibly point to an English or American origin. On the side of the handle, the date 1774 is crudely but neatly engraved. The handle consists of Mother of Pearl and Silver with the neck & tines cast metal, still firmly attached to the handle. It measures 20cms long, bottom of handle to the tip of the tines & weighs approx 74 grams.

Australian Buyers only, no overseas.

_gsrx_vers_1653 (GS 9.7.5 (1653))