Five fearsome forks

[Maggie.]

That date of 1880-90 was merely based upon OH's memory of how long they have been in his family. I wondered if they could be of an earlier date.

[aghadowey]

As I mentioned previously, this style was made over a long period so will be hard to pin down a date range.

[stanmapstone]

They look similar to these http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pair-Hand-Made-three-tined-Wood-Handled-forks-cr-1700-/320882200272

Stan

[Maggie.]

Stan thank-you for that link, that is very interesting as those forks look extremely similar to mine. Also I've had my magnifying glass out and, like on the pair in the link, I can just make out the word STEEL on one of them and very worn and indistinct on the other four. The word is extremely tiny and I've never noticed it before.

[Skoosh]

Nice "Fork Handles" if you catch my drift. 

Skoosh.

[youngtug]

Are the handles bone?

[Maggie.]

No - as I mentioned in post 1, they have very basic wooden handles.

Nice "Fork Handles" if you catch my drift. 

Skoosh.

Swoosh ........ well - someone had to say it. 

[groom]

Interesting Maggie, as those for sale don't appear to be in such good condition as yours - and you have 5 to their 2. Looks like they sell for about £135 each. 

[youngtug]

Must pay more attention, sorry. Are they just old three tined forks, pickle forks or cold meat forks. [just to muddy the waters a little]