A RARE SILVER- AND GOLD-MOUNTED WOOD TOASTING FORK, MAKER'S MARK ONLY A L OVER LION PASSANT, PROVINCIAL OR POSSIBLY COLONIAL, EARLY 18TH CENTURY |

of snakewood with four prongs, one extended to the rear, spreading from a sphere, spherical top  knob with ring finial, the wood with silver bandings with serrated leaf-tip borders, the central band with  two triple rings of gold, molded borders

Collection of Marjorie Wiggin Prescott, Christie's, New York, February 4, 1981, lot 159;
S.J. Shrubsole, New York, February 1981;
Vogel Collection no. 343.

several dents, all minor
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The earliest known English silver-mounted Toasting Fork, unmarked but dated 1561, is illustrated in Michael Clayton, The Collector’s Dictionary of the Silver and Gold of Great Britain and North America, no. 668, p.318. See also C.C. Oman, “English Silver Toasting Forks,” Antique Collector, vol. xxxiv, pp.24-25.