Some more interesting accoutrements

[Shreckmeister]

I was told the fork is 18th century.  It appears to be hand filed bone.  Can anyone confirm or contest?

[BrownBear]

I can't address the fork, but that top horn fascinates me.  I could convince myself that it's set up to hang from a single strap attached at the nozzle end.  I've never seen one rigged that way, but the idea appeals.  Any sign of an attachment point toward the base?

Thanks.

[Shreckmeister]

There does not appear to be any attachment point on the plug end.

[smokinbuck]

Robb,
Can't say for sure but I do know that 2 tine forks were earlier than 3 tine.
Mark

[Habu]

The bone handle was called "scratted bone."  You see it in some catalog of Sheffield table cutlery and such about 1800-1820.  I think there were some example catalog pages reprinted in Museum of the Fur Trade Quarterlies back in the '80s. 

Jim

[Martyman]

Were all thee things found with a shooting pouch? If so i wonder what the deviders were for.

[draken]

I have a fork that is nearly identical to yours.    I always thought the handle material was ivory, but it makes more sense that it would be bone. 

 I wondered about the dividers as well; do you suppose that they might have been used as a ramrod puller.   

Just my humble two cents

[Martyman]

I guess they could be used for pullers. Boy they look pointy on the ends! i would hate to reach in my bag and get those in the hand! 

[Shreckmeister]

Sorry for not posting earlier.  I picked these items up from a gun builder who collected them over the years.  The dividers are not from a possibles bag.  Hand forged with
copper rivet.
They were from a gunmaker.

[Shreckmeister]

Here's a better look at the fork.