July 4, 1873 Primitive Carved Fork

The 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.