J.C. Klinkosch, Vienna, Modernist Large Sterling Silver Dinner Fork

A 19th century purveyor to the Austrian royal court, the renowned Vienna firm of J.C. Klinkosch passed from father Joseph Carl to sons Arthur and Isidor in 1884, and eventually to Arthur Krupp in 1918.

This large, 8 3/8" long, heavy at 2.25 T. oz., solid silver, 20th century, fork is marked on the backside heel in English, "Made in Austria" and "Sterling," along with "Ges. Gesch." for "Gesetzlich Geschutzt," i.e. the German equivalent for patent, trademark, or copyright.

Lastly, there is a triangular punch with an angular "JCK" alongside "935," this later mark is presumably for the silver standard, which is actually a bit higher than sterling at 925.

The design is sleek and modernist. It features a series of straight, parallel lines on a slightly upturned handle with a crossbar at the end.

There are four, sharply defined, tines that are joined to a deep, markedly plain, heel with rounded shoulders.

This is in flawless estate condition, without wear and apparently scarcely ever used.

Elevated in every way, design, scale, provenance, and silver content, this is an exceptionally fine item of collectible merit.