Admiralty pattern dessert fork.

A silver dessert fork of Old English pattern with a die-stamped crown and foul anchor badge on the front of the handle. A broad arrow is impressed on back of the handle indicating government property. It is mounted in a glass-fronted presentation case together with 16 other pieces.

Admiralty pattern silver of this type was in use by officers in Royal Navy wardrooms from 1842 until 1884 when instructions were issued for the substitution of electroplate. The remaining stocks of silver were sold by tender and acquired by Messrs. Spink & Son, who presented these specimens in 1937.