Steak Forks, Briddell Carvel Hall, Classic, Stainless Overlay, RARE Vintage, SOLD

• Pattern:  Classic  
• Made in Crisfield, MD, USA
• Vintage: 1951 - 1961
• Details:  A beautiful set of 8 Steak Forks in a gorgeous pattern called "Classic".  These are stainless steel forks with an intricate handle. It's a celluloid handle, or Bakelite-similar product, with a thin, silver-tone, metal overlay.  Made by Briddell, for their "Carvel Hall" line (which was named after a famous luxury hotel in Annapolis MD), this line was so successful, the company changed its name to Carvel Hall.  They are in their original box, which is plastic, 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, we believe these are pre-Towle acquisition.  The lid reads: "Carvel Hall Fine Cutlery by Briddell, Lifetime Service Guarantee"  The back of the box reads: "Chas D. Briddell Inc., Fine Quality Cutlery, Crisfield, Maryland, U.S.A."  Great as a hostess/host gift, or for someone who appreciates vintage flatware, or perfect for your next steak dinner. A gorgeous piece of American manufacturing history at your table!  
• Materials: Stainless fork.  Handle is a plastic with a thin, silver-tone, metal overlay 
• Dimensions:  Forks: 7.5 inches Long.  Box:  9.75 inches Long, 6.0 inches Wide
• Condition:  Vintage - Used.  Very Good Vintage Condition.  There are signs of normal age/use/wear, but very minor, probably only used on special occasions.  Please review all pictures and make sure you love this item before purchasing, we can't accept returns.  Please remember these are VINTAGE and ANTIQUE items, they are NOT new, every effort has been made to show scratches, wear and tear and imperfections. 

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 due to frequent flooding.  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.  Sadly, in 1938 Charles passed away suddenly, 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.  Keep in mind, no one used steak knives in 1946, but by 1951, The Carvel Hall knife, named after a luxury hotel in Annapolis, went on sale and the rest is history.  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.