[Cutlery] 18th Century Chased Silver and Abalone ForkA finely made 18th century steel fork mounted on engraved silver and inlaid shell handle. Approximately 18 cm in length. Europe, early 18th century. Forks were introduced as early as the 11th century, but were extremely controversial and even scandalous for hundreds of years, not gaining widespread favor in Europe until well into the 18th century. Italian gentlemen were among the first Europeans to embrace the use a two pronged fork as an eating