Lucky Wood Stainless Steel Dinner Fork
Flatware - Dinner Fork · Lucky Wood (Kobayashi Industrial Co., Ltd.), a Japanese manufacturer founded in 1868, known for introducing high-quality stainless steel flatware to the Japanese market.
Pattern: Unknown simple teardrop pattern; characterized by a flared handle with a subtle perimeter line detail.
Type
Flatware - Dinner Fork
Maker
Lucky Wood (Kobayashi Industrial Co., Ltd.), a Japanese manufacturer founded in 1868, known for introducing high-quality stainless steel flatware to the Japanese market.
Material
Stainless Steel (likely 18/8 or 18/10 grade); no silver content. This is a durable alloy of iron, chromium, and nickel.
Dimensions
Approximately 18-20 cm (7-8 inches); weight approximately 40-50 grams. Standard dinner size.
Description
A functional, mass-produced stainless steel dinner fork manufactured by Lucky Wood in Japan. The piece features a simple teardrop handle with a minor decorative border, designed for high-frequency daily use in a domestic or catering environment.
Key Features
Lucky Wood brand name and crown logo; 'Stainless Steel' marking confirm lack of precious metal content; utilitarian weight and finish.
Material & Composition
Stainless Steel (likely 18/8 or 18/10 grade); no silver content. This is a durable alloy of iron, chromium, and nickel.
Finish & Decoration
Satin/Brushed finish on the tines and handle face, showing signs of heavy utility wear and surface scratching. Minimalist decoration with a single recessed line near the handle edge.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'STAINLESS STEEL', 'LUCKY WOOD', and a crown-style logo on the reverse of the handle.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped from a flat sheet of stainless steel; die-struck to create the profile and handle contour. Homogeneous construction.
Functional Features
Four-tine design for standard dining; tapered tines for piercing food; ergonomic flared handle.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid stainless steel flared handle, integral to the entire piece, with a rounded terminal.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial grade machine manufacturing. Well-proportioned for balance but lacks the hand-finishing or detail seen in premium silver goods.
Authentication Indicators
Clearly stamped 'Stainless Steel' which precludes it from being silver or silver-plated; maker's mark is consistent with authentic Lucky Wood industrial output.
Origin & Manufacturing
Tsubame, Niigata Prefecture, Japan — the center of Japanese metal flatware production.
Era & Period
Mid-to-late 20th Century (Modern Utilitarian). Designed for mass-market durability rather than ornate display.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1990 accurately reflects the stamping style and wear patterns.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-WWII shift from silver and silver-plated goods to durable, low-maintenance stainless steel in middle-class households.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair condition. Significant surface scratching and 'dishwasher wear' visible. Tines appear straight, but the finish has lost its original factory luster.
Value Estimate
$1 - $5 USD. Primarily sold as replacement pieces for existing sets at estate sales or via online marketplaces.
Care & Maintenance
Dishwasher safe. Occasional use of a non-abrasive metal cleaner can restore shine, but it does not require specialized silver polish or tarnish prevention.
Similar Pieces
Comparable to basic patterns from Oneida, Noritake, or Mikasa stainless steel lines. Distinguished from silver counterparts by the greyish-blue steel hue and stamp.
Interesting Facts
Lucky Wood was the first company in Japan to produce stainless steel flatware, often winning the 'Good Design Award' for their modernist aesthetic.