July 4, 1873 Primitive Carved Fork flat paintbrush Fainter is an incised mark

Fainter is an incised mark for T

side by side on a red perch

but even more so like Jim Broadbent

Spheres formed by blocks are 2 1/2" in diameter

and ready to be used

July 4, 1873 Primitive Carved Fork flat paintbrush Fainter is an incised markThe handwritten text on this sweetly carved wooden fork is a bit hard to read, particularly the year (and my photos don't help; it is somewhat clearer in person), but I'm pretty sure it says 1873. For sure the day is July 4, so Independence was certainly being celebrated as it was made, with the initials EJV and EAG I believe written below. Very humble but full of life. 5 9 16" x 13 16" and in very good condition.