Dessert fork (one of twelve) 1766 - 1775

This silver dessert fork, one of twelve, was created by John Linney between 1766 and 1775. It is part of a larger set of cutlery, reflecting the growing importance of dining etiquette and the refinement of table manners in 18th century England. The fork's simple, elegant design, with three prongs and a rounded handle, exemplifies the understated elegance of the period. Today, it is part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.