FINE COLONIAL AMERICAN FORGED IRON COOKING FORK C.1650-1750

17 ¾” length for handling large pieces of meat or even small animals such as goose, on a spit. Skillfully and artfully executed in one piece with a slightly tapered handle, cylindrical shaft with triangular terminals and two tines of diamond section and elegant curvature. Tapered bolster matching the grip. The front is chiseled with dot clusters flanking the M H monogram and a pine tree. Reverse with I H, probably an heir. See Furniture Treasure, Nutting #3865, and #3866 for related examples which also have monograms.