Originally Posted by
Andrew R Stewart
An underside shot of the fork crown might add detail....
Sorry but I just don't see the value to spend the time it takes to add a layer of material, shaped and then finished to what the photos show.
You're too practical. Like you, I'd love to see the underside for hints as to whether the crown was cast or formed. But it doesn't really matter.
OTOH there's plenty of evidence of loving attention to detail here. Besides the trim on top, there's the raised bosses which would greatly complicate any casting, and absolutely could not be formed.
Back when this fork was made, there was a greater sense of artistry than we see today. It was common, especially in England for builders to spend serious time with coping saws, hand cutting brazed on "appliques" to make their frames special.
For example, my Italian fork of the era had simple tapered spears brazed inside to brace the blades, English builders would add fancy cut pieces to the outside for the same purpose.
Of course the only way to know would be to remove some paint, but I'd rather appreciate the work than know how it was done.