Fireplace tools (shovel and tongs)
England or United States
1780-1810
Measurements
Shovel, 34-3/4 in x 8-1/2 in x 1-3/4 in; tongs, 33-1/4 in x 4-1/4 in x 1-3/4 in
Materials
Iron, brass
Credit Line
Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp
Accession Number
1958.3214
Provenance
Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp
Comments
The finely made set of fireplace tools, being a shovel and tongs, have shafts with a decorative swelling flanked by rings in the approximate middle of the shaft length. The shovel has a broad end. The hinged tongs have neatly fashioned oval patera or disk at the joint. The handle ends of both tools have a brass ovoid ball (similar to an acorn shape) with an ovoid tip, above a double-reel like shape. The brass sleeves were cast in halves and seamed. They are peened in place.
