Sterling Silver Mounted Horn Handle Meat Fork, Owned by James Buchanan Duke

Early 20th century, the two-tined fork featuring a sterling baluster and horn handle, pattern number 903, engraved "Duke / 1877-1902" for James Buchanan Duke.

10 in.

James Buchanan Duke (1856–1925) was a leading American industrialist and philanthropist. Born near Durham, North Carolina, he mastered the tobacco trade as head of W. Duke, Sons and Company, helping pioneer machine-made cigarettes through an exclusive deal with the Bonsack Machine Company. In 1890, he became president of the American Tobacco Company, which came to dominate the U.S. and international tobacco markets. After federal antitrust actions dissolved the company in 1911, Duke shifted his focus to hydroelectric power, co-founding Southern Power Company (later Duke Power), which helped industrialize the Carolinas.

Duke became increasingly involved in philanthropy, especially after his brother’s illness. In 1924, he created The Duke Endowment, providing millions to educational, medical, and religious institutions in the Carolinas, including the establishment and expansion of Duke University. He remained personally involved in the university’s early development before his death in 1925.

Some use wear to the tines and baluster.