Gorham Manufacturing Company
Asparagus Tongs

CultureAmerican
Titles
  • Asparagus Tongs
Datec. 1865–1870
Made inProvidence, Rhode Island, United States
MediumSilver
Dimensions11 5/8 × 1 9/16 × 2 7/8 in. (29.5 × 4 × 7.3 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Jas A. Gundry
Object numberB.99.14
Current Location
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Metals Study Room
Exposé

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Department
Bayou Bend
Object Type
DescriptionDuring the second half of the 1800s, a wider range of foods became available to Americans, and dining rituals became more elaborate, creating a desire for more specialized silver forms for serving and eating. These asparagus tongs, decorated with female busts and delicate piercing, demonstrate American silver manufacturers’ robust response to this growing demand.
ProvenanceJas A. Gundry, Houston; given to MFAH, 1999.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
[no inscriptions]
Stamped inside arm: lion, anchor, old English G [incuse]

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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Asparagus Tongs
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scan from file photograph
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