H70.142.6B

• california gold rush

Forks. Description: Seven bone-handled forks, (ivory). From the History Information Station: Object: Seven bone-handled steel forks. Since ordinary steel was heavy and not very attractive, bone was often used for flatware handles; today it has mostly been replaced by plastic or stainless steel. History: These forks were not particularly fancy, but they were nice enough that they were kept in the dish cupboard, to be used only for eating and not as utensils for cooking and household tasks.

Used: food ~ utensil