MakerAttributed to
John R. Wendt (American, born Germany, 1826–1907)American, born Germany, 1826–1907
Retailer
Braverman & Levy(San Francisco, active 1852–1881)San Francisco, active 1852–1881
CultureAmerican
Titles
- Toast Tongs
Datec. 1862–1871
Made inNew York , New York, United States
Retailed inSan Francisco, California, United States
MediumSilver
Dimensions2 1/8 × 11 5/8 × 2 13/16 in. (5.4 × 29.5 × 7.1 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Phyllis and Charles Tucker in memory of Charles Thomas Tucker
Object numberB.94.10
Current Location
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Kilroy Center
On view
Explore Further
Department
Bayou BendObject Type
Medallion flatware was in vogue during the 1860s and remained popular well into the following decade. John R. Wendt’s designs are recognized as some of the finest executed, as this unusual server attests. While its original purpose has not been confirmed from period sources, it is believed these impressive tongs, with their mechanical spring handle, were intended for serving toast.
Book excerpt: David B. Warren, Michael K. Brown, Elizabeth Ann Coleman, and Emily Ballew Neff. American Decorative Arts and Paintings in the Bayou Bend Collection. Houston: Princeton Univ. Press, 1998.
ProvenancePhyllis and Charles Tucker, Houston; given to MFAH, 1995.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Engraved: AJIS [added later]
Marked incuse: STERLING / PATENT / 925 / BRAVERMAN & LEVY
Cataloguing data may change with further research.
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