Wood & Hughes Double End Sterling Olive Spoon & Fork

This sterling silver double-ended olive spoon and fork was a popular mid 19th century form. This circa 1870 example was made by New York's Wood & Hughes (marked W&H 925) and retailed by WA Spotts. The piece is 9 5/8" long. It has a central unmonogrammed cartouche, with twist arms that join to the bowl and tines. The bowl is innovative, having a deeply cupped shape with star piercings and a brilliant gold finish. The tines likewise are unusual in that they are elongated, have trident ends, a bellflower piercing, and are finished in a gold wash. The condition is impeccable. There are no bends or marks, and the patina is lustrous.