Sold for $406

Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium

Lot Description

[CIVIL WAR]. Worman & Ely 3-piece interlocking utensil set, patented 1862.

7 1/2 in. lg. interlocking steel knife, fork, and spoon set (spotting throughout though metal not pitted, fork tines and knife blade appear to have been cleaned in the past). Spoon handle stamped "Worman Ely & Co / Philad'a / Patent Feb.4.186[2]." Knife blade stamped similarly, though only a few letters and numbers are visible.

This set required 2 patents, the first for the construction of the knife and fork-shaped "so as to be wholly closed and hollow," and the second for the design of the spoon with an opening and bent in a manner to allow the fork and knife to be inserted through the hole and fitted against the flanges on the side of the handle. An excellent example of the early war efforts made by patriotic entrepreneurs to provide soldiers in the field with equipment that was compact and practical.

The Civil War Collection of James C. Frasca

Condition Report

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Hindman staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Hindman website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Hindman.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.