telescopic claw

[bread_baby]

This is a silver plated telescopic claw that looks like a back scratcher. Found in France. No hallmarks found. Any ideas?

[JayT]

This appears to be a fork for spearing and extracting food preserved in brine or liquor from a jar, such as pickles (cornichons), olives (olives), or brandied cherries (cerises à l’eau de vie). The handle telescopes in accordance with the depth of the jar.
Does this seem plausible to you?

[silvermakersmarks]

Or it could be a toasting fork. At full length it would keep your hand farther from the flame.

Phil

[JLDoggett]

I agree with Phil, there are quite a few examples of telescoping toasting forks. Inserting that into a container of brine could cause the hollow areas to flood; making it difficult or impossible to clean; and posing potential health hazards and corrosion.

[bread_baby]

I agree with Phil, there are quite a few examples of telescoping toasting forks. Inserting that into a container of brine could cause the hollow areas to flood; making it difficult or impossible to clean; and posing potential health hazards and corrosion.

Thank you phil, dog and jay! Here is an article on toasting forks: http://www.ascasonline.org/articoloOTTOB137.html. .

I forgot the size, its 73 cm long.

[bread_baby]

https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/Ro ... nd_thistle

I was searching for the pattern on the handle with decorarions of a rose, thistle and clovers. According to this article it might rwpresent the united kingdom.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coat_of ... f_Montreal

Here is another coat of arms of montreal.