Wood & Hughes
Pie Knife

MakerAmerican, active 1845–1899
CultureAmerican
Titles
  • Pie Knife
Datec. 1860–1868
Made inNew York, New York, United States
MediumSilver with silver gilding
Dimensions3 1/4 × 10 1/2 in. (8.3 × 26.7 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Julia Justice Cauthorn in memory of Michael K. Brown
Object numberB.2014.5
Current Location
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Metals Study Room
On view

Explore Further

Department
Bayou Bend
Object Type
DescriptionIn 1845, Jacob Wood and Jasper Hughes of New York City established a partnership to form a silver manufactory, and by 1860 they had greatly expanded their workforce to include ninety men. They also employed fifteen women and girls as silver burnishers, as it was widely thought that female hands were especially suited to burnishing and polishing chores. By the 1860s, the firm was the largest maker of silverware in New York City, whereby producing a full line of table silverware, including numerous ornamental patterns of flatware. Silverware was fashioned in countless revival styles. The designers at Wood and Hughes borrowed figures derived from ancient Greek and Roman art, and created this rare pie knife distinguished by its exquisite cast figural handle in the form of a female herm and wide spade server with bright-cut engraving and floral decoration on the handle.
ProvenanceDr. Charles Spencer Curb, Clarksville, Arkansas; purchased by [Phyllis Tucker Antiques, Houston]; purchased by Julia Justice Cauthorn, Houston; given to MFAH, 2014
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
[none]
On back of handle: shield design
On back of handle: W & H

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.

Serving Spoon
Wood & Hughes
c. 1860
Silver and silver gilding
B.97.39
Butter Knife
Wood & Hughes
c. 1849
Silver
B.88.18
Tablespoon
Wood & Hughes
c. 1860–1890
Silver
B.2018.46
Teapot, Creamer, and Waste Bowl
Wood & Hughes
c. 1845–1872
Silver
B.2021.4.1-.3
Teapot
Wood & Hughes
c. 1845–1872
Silver
B.82.3
Tablespoon
Wood & Hughes
c. 1860–1890
Silver
B.2018.48
Fruit Stand
Wood & Hughes
c. 1860–1875
Silver
B.2004.36
Tablespoon (one of a pair)
Wood & Hughes
c. 1860–1890
Silver
B.2018.47.1
Tablespoon (one of a pair)
Wood & Hughes
c. 1860–1890
Silver
B.2018.47.2
Pair of Dessert Spoons
Wood & Hughes
c. 1860–1870
Silver
B.93.14.1,.2
Pitcher
Wood & Hughes
c. 1845–1872
Silver
B.2008.13