Objects

The first of a set of six platter forks. The fork is silver in colour and is plated. Its four tines are flattened and elongated. The fork's handle is flat and widens towards the bottom. The lower part of the handle is decorated with an art déco geometric motif. The decoration consists of two simple grooves (thinnings) running along both edges of the handle. The end of the handle is bevelled where it has been thinned.

According to Joanna Paprocka-Gajek, an expert in the history of Polish plating, "the tableware in the homes of the wealthy and middle classes was increasingly a testimony to the standard of living achieved, as well as an expression of prestige and affluence. Tableware in affluent homes was becoming more numerous and varied." The author also mentions that separate cutlery used only for serving appeared in the early 18th century. At the time, they were called 'serving' or 'sharing' spoons and forks (J. Paprocka-Gajek, "Platery warszawskie w latach 1822-1914, Asortyment, odbiorca i obyczaj, Warszawa 2010".

MF