Object Description
A fine and rare silver gilt five tooth fish slice. The gilding is to prevent staining from any vinegars or oils.
The slice was made in 1800 by William Eley & William Fearn of London (the handle was made in the same year by the specialist maker, Moses Brent).
These rare slices – only really made between 1800 and 1830 – have been subject to a lot of arguments over the years as to their use. Were they for melon slices? Some sort of cheese server? The consensus is that they are for fish, the fact that it has gilding would affirm this view.
The slice is in excellent condition.
Dimensions: length 26.7 cm, width (at widest over tines) 7.4 cm; weight 5.5 troy oz.