Small, three-tined fork. Interesting, but what is it?

[M4nWithNoN4me]

Hello friends. Found this little guy a few inches deep near an old homestead site in Philadelphia. This is what I have after a minor cleanup. My two friends couldn't believe it- it was in such good shape I asked if they'd planted it, but they swear they weren't involved.

All amazement about the pristine find aside, what is it? Did a bit of searching, didn't see anything quite like it. I've never seen tines spread apart like that, doesn't seem too practical.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Joseph92]

1917 Plated

http://centennialantiques.com/pages/silver-plate-pattern-identification-guide

 

[SueK]

Cool find! I saw some others on Google (searched for forks with splayed tines) that were serving utensils - beef, pork, lemons. Very interesting!

 

[Ricki7]

Nice find , must not have been in production for long , not many around , congrats
HH

 

[MattLock]

Cocktail fork for formal dinners

 

[bodkin]

It would be known as a pickle fork over here.... https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=a...1LTLAhVLshQKHfyXCNYQ_AUICCgC&biw=1266&bih=617

 

[M4nWithNoN4me]

Thanks for the prompt replies and for the info and links, very cool indeed! This forum is the best.

Cheers friends!

 

[007tallguy]

that's a cool find, congrats!
actually, i found one like that a while back with the spread tines but mine is a full sized fork and the thing is heavy! i haven't researched mine as of yet but may dig it out one of these days and look into it.

Pete

 

[TandTmrh]

Small 3 tined forks with the ends bent like that are popular for crustaceans. Snails, lobster, crab, etc.

 

[Donneybrook]

that is pretty darn cool! good ID guys.