Tiffany 'King's' aka 'Saratoga' Sterling Silver Serving Fork

Issued in 1870, King's aka King was one of Tiffany's earliest flatware patterns. It is generally identified as Saratoga, which was the name assigned it when it was introduced in 1956.

It was also rebadged Cook and reactivated (having been discontinued in 1904) for a short while c. 1908.

William Hood in Tiffany Silver Flatware surmises, "the name change was to honor Charles T. Cook, who became president of Tiffany & Co. after Charles L Tiffany died in 1902, and probably occurred just after Cook's death in 1907."

Hood also observes, "to the best of our knowledge, the standard pieces were made in King's. The only unusual piece we have seen is illustrated in Figure 258," (page 173) which in fact matches the fork in this listing, save the former is 8 1/4" long and this measures 6 3/4". It weighs 1.4 T. oz.

The serving end is deeply cupped, has three wide tines, scalloped margins, and a pierced heel.

The pattern itself incorporates stylized honeysuckle, shell, and scroll detailing common to King's patterns but not in a traditional representation. It also has added rosettes, which was a design feature commonly employed in the period.

The handle backside is engraved with a "CTRS" line script monogram.

In choice estate condition, this is free of polishing wear and shows a bright, even, finish. The tines are without bends, burrs, or nicks.

Marks are "T," "Tiffany & Co.," "Sterling," and "Pat. 1870." Hood notes that "Flat-handled pieces [are] generally marked: M or T," indicating this is an original King's version of the line and not the later Saratoga.