Stieff "Williamsburg Shell" Sterling Meat Fork

The "Shell" line of sterling silver flatware was produced by Stieff on behalf of Colonial Williamsburg which offered the line exclusively through its store and catalog. It is described in a 1970's catalog as "based on an assembled set of English, Georgian flatware in the Colonial Williamsburg collection. It dates from about 1760. The raised shell on each piece is characteristic of the period, and is found on many English produced items during the middle years of the eighteen century." This item is a large, 10" long, 2.9 T. oz., cold meat fork, sometimes identified as a buffet fork. It has six narrow, pointed tines and the shell motif repeats on the backside. The item is in flawless condition, without a monogram or removal, and fully marked for what it is.