Accession Number

2017.001.001.002.001

Description

One sterling silver desert fork, part of a 24-piece desert set consisting of 12 forks and 12 knives. Handles have a raised floral design at the ends. Incised acanthus pattern between the root of the tines and handle. Hallmarks indicate the maker of H. Matthews of Birmingham, England in 1896.

Narrative

This desert set with oak case was first owned and used by Dunsmuir descendant John William Bryden (1869-1953) and his wife Ellen Gertrude Tarbell (1882-1964) and was passed down through the family until it was acquired by The Castle Society. This high-quality set was added to the museum’s collection to aid in the presentation of the Dunsmuir-era at Craigdarroch.
 

History of Use

This desert set with oak case was first owned and used by Dunsmuir descendant John William Bryden (1869-1953) and his wife Ellen Gertrude Tarbell (1882-1964). They used it at their Oak Bay B.C. residence at 899 Transit Road and subsequently at their waterfront house in Royston, Vancouver Island (near Cumberland and Courtenay). It was then inherited by their son Gerald Robert Bryden (1913-1992) of Royston, and then by his daughter in Campbell River, from whom it was acquired by The Castle Society.

Date

circa 1896

Dimensions

18 x 0.5 x 1.5 cm

Material

Metal, silver, sterling

Technique

Country of Origin

England