July 4, 1873 Primitive Carved Fork cricket game with turned wood handles

with turned wood handles

The wood is darker and richer than details portray

nestled in its valley

I didn't know much at all about the history of "The Band of Hope" when I purchased this early 20th century hand-drawn postcard

75" long x 3" wide x 1 5/8" tall

July 4, 1873 Primitive Carved Fork cricket game with turned wood handlesThe 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.