{HISTORY}

Made in Bridgeport, Connecticut in1914, this pair of Holmes & Edwards silverplate forks features the Carolina pattern - a gorgeous combination of pineapples, ribbons and garland-type swags. Reminiscent of graceful houses decorated to the nines for festive entertaining, these forks sparkle with the essence of Southern hospitality. 

Founded in 1882, Holmes & Edwards at first manufactured affordable flatware for domestic households. But after hiring a designer who invented silver pocket blocks to be tucked in areas of flatware that experienced the most use (the bowls of forks and spoons, the ends of handles, the thin area of the necks, etc}, Holmes & Edwards set themselves apart from other silver manufacturers. They even won an award for their specially crafted, high-quality designs in the early 1890s. From that point forward Holmes & Edwards made quite a reputation for themselves in the silver marketplace.

These two when clinked together produce a beautiful ringing sound that can be heard for about 12 seconds, making them both beautiful in appearence and slightly musical in tone. The large fork, also known as a cold meat fork, was meant for serving slices of luncheon meats but of course, is practical for all sorts of other foods that require a large fork as well. The smaller fork is a traditional dinner fork.

Like works of art in and of themselves, the only travesty about these two is that there is not more of them. Beautifully tarnished and full of character, an entire tablesetting of this pattern would be a gorgeous sight for certain. But don't fret if you are not supplementing your own Carolina collection. Mixing and matching antique flatware is always eye-catching too.  

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Set of two

- Matching pattern 

- Stamped on back with the Holmes & Edwards XIV HE mark

{CONDITION}

Beautifully tarnished with age, this antique pair is in great shape. Please see photos.

{SIZE}

The cold meat fork measures 8,5" inches (length) x 1.5" inches (width at widest part) and weighs 2.9oz

The dinner fork measures 7.5" inches (length) x 1" inch (width at widest part) and  weighs 1.6 oz

{FOR THE COLLECTOR AND THE STORY LOVER}

Find more antique and vintage silver servers here. Learn about how the pineapple became the universal symbol of hospitality here.