Set of 5 Silver Sweetmeat Forks, c.1775

This is a very rare and exquisite set of small, silver forks with pistol-shaped handles.

Made by the specialist fork maker Thomas Northcote, these 2-pronged examples were most likely made for use with sweetmeats - although we have not previously encountered their like! They are each hallmarked with lion passant and "TN" maker's marks, as was appropriate at the time for small items, to the tips of the handles. Although small, these forks have a nice chunky feel in the hand and remain in fine condition.

Thomas Northcote was originally apprenticed to Charles Hutton in 1766 before being turned over to Thomas Chawner. He entered his first mark at Goldsmiths Hall in 1771 and although spoons can be also be found with his mark, he appears to have specialised in making forks.