Early Etiquette and Travel Utensils

 

A Continental fork and spoon combination, age unknown, along side a 19th C. German made antique reproduction fork.

Even after the introduction of forks, it remained customary for dinner guests to provide their own utensils for eating. This undoubtedly explains the ingenious one-piece combinations which were made to serve the purpose of a spoon and fork. The three pronged fork would serve as the handle for a spoon bowl, by fitting the prongs in two loops and fastening it to the back. The handle hinged back to permit folding for convenience when carrying in the pouch. Surviving examples of these of English origin are very rare, and the few known today are all of continental make. — From The Book of Old Silver, by Seymour B. Wyler, 1937

 🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia