Fireplace tongs
England or United States
1840-1880
Measurements
28-1/8 in x 3-1/2 in x 1-1/2 in (dia)
Materials
Brass and iron
Credit Line
Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.
Accession Number
1971.915
Provenance
Ex coll. Mrs. E. Tatnall (Mary Corbit) Warner
Comments
The fireplace tongs resemble many variations of earlier design, but these are of late 19th century manufacture. The brass handle, which is cast in halves and brazed together and peened in place, is made in the customary early manner, but the decoration of the handle itself is sympathetic but not representative of early design. In particular, the bold and plain urn paired with the sharp-edged domed element is unusual. Similarly, the arms have very bold knops in the middle. Otherwise, the tongs are of traditional form.
