Steak Forks: Briddell Carvel Hall, Classic, Stainless with Silver-Tone Overlay Handles, Set of 8, Original Box, Crisfield MD USA, Vintage 1951 - SOLD

A set of eight steak forks in the Carvel Hall Classic pattern, with intricate silver-tone overlay handles, in their original box from Crisfield, Maryland.

• Maker: Briddell (Carvel Hall)
• Pattern: Classic
• Quantity: Set of 8
• Materials: Stainless steel forks; handles of a celluloid or Bakelite-like plastic with a thin, silver-tone metal overlay
• Dimensions: Forks: 7.5 inches Long; Box: 9.75 inches Long, 6.0 inches Wide
• Origin: Crisfield, MD, USA
• Era: Vintage, 1951–1961
• Condition: Very Good — signs of normal age and use, but very minor, probably only used on special occasions. Please review photos closely before purchasing, as all sales are final.

A beautiful set in a gorgeous pattern called "Classic." Made by Briddell for their Carvel Hall line, named after a famous luxury hotel in Annapolis, MD, a line so successful the company changed its name to Carvel Hall. The forks are in their original plastic box with a plastic name plaque, which shows just how much plastic was loved and how cutting-edge it was at the time. We know that Briddell was acquired by Towle silversmiths in 1961 and these do not have the Towle name, so we believe they are pre-Towle acquisition. The lid reads: "Carvel Hall Fine Cutlery by Briddell, Lifetime Service Guarantee," and the back of the box reads: "Chas D. Briddell Inc., Fine Quality Cutlery, Crisfield, Maryland, U.S.A."

Great as a hostess or host gift, for someone who appreciates vintage flatware, or perfect for your next steak dinner. A gorgeous piece of American manufacturing history at your table.

Carvel Hall was founded in 1895 by Charles D. Briddell in Marion Station, MD. Due to frequent flooding in the area, in 1914 he moved the operation to Crisfield, MD. Originally making carts and buggies, he expanded the product line to include oyster knives for shuckers, oyster harvesting tools, and even ice tongs and animal traps. Charles passed away suddenly in 1938, and his children took over the company. A man named Paul Culver, who had been making some items for Briddell, gifted Mr. Briddell Jr. a set of intricately carved knives in 1946. He said they were letter openers, but Briddell thought they were so delicate and beautiful that he decided to start designing them as steak knives. No one used steak knives in 1946, but by 1951 the Carvel Hall knife went on sale, and the knives were a phenomenal success, so much so that the Briddell Company soon changed its name to Carvel Hall. In 1961 the company was acquired by Towle Manufacturing, a silversmith company.

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