Forks are a relatively recent addition to the table arriving in the 18th century. First to be used had just two prongs. Most examples of these are finely made pieces destined for the tables of the wealthy. As they became popular, they grew another tine. 19th century forks generally had three tines while four tines came into vogue in the 20th century.
The two and three tine forks are eminently suited to early 19th century re-enactors. Early examples should be finely crafted. Most of the pieces I see today are probably late 19th to early 20th century stamped out by the thousands in factories and sold through Sears & Roebuck and other dealers.
Frontier America Trading Company