|
|
|
| How to Post Photos |
REGISTER (click here)
|
|
|
|
| How to Post Photos |
REGISTER (click here)
|
|
 SMP Silver Salon Forums
 American Sterling Silver
 new whatsit
|
 SSFFriend: Email This Page to Someone! |
next newest topic | next oldest topic |
| Author | Topic: new whatsit |
|
vathek Posts: 966 |
posted 11-20-2003 11:08 AM
  
[01-1314] This 7.5" long Gorham silverplate and bone/ivory implement dates from about 1880. It has leaves incised on the handle. I think it's for cracking crab or lobster, but I'm not sure, and the leaf decoration doesn't really fit with seafood. Any ideas? IP: Logged |
|
Patrick Vyvyan Posts: 640 |
posted 11-20-2003 11:55 AM
Could this be a toffee hammer? Although I must admit I've never seen one this elegant before! IP: Logged |
|
vathek Posts: 966 |
posted 11-20-2003 01:36 PM
Although the photo doesn't show it, the hammer part has a pattern of small pyramid shaped things like a meat tenderizer. IP: Logged |
|
Dale Posts: 2132 |
posted 11-20-2003 02:25 PM
My guess is that this is an ice hammer, used to chip ice off of large blocks. A very elegent one at that. IP: Logged |
|
FredZ Posts: 1070 |
posted 11-20-2003 02:38 PM
I believe it was used by an unknown ice sculptor! What more delightful tool could you want to help you chip away the pieced that hide the carving whithin..... I think it is wonderful! Fred IP: Logged |
|
Paul Lemieux Posts: 1792 |
posted 11-20-2003 03:03 PM
It does look like an ice tool. What a great find, vathek. IP: Logged |
|
vathek Posts: 966 |
posted 11-20-2003 04:14 PM
But ice for what? Given the date would most households have ice for drinks? And wouldn't the bone handle be to weak for really wacking ice? IP: Logged |
|
Paul Lemieux Posts: 1792 |
posted 11-20-2003 06:54 PM
Indeed, most households probably would not have had ice. Hence the appearance of fancy and no doubt expensive utensils such as this, ice spoons, etc. (I'm thinking, for example, of the wonderful Polar motif ice bowls and spoons Gorham produced in the early 1870s). I have had similarly constructed Gorham items (no hammers--just spoons) in the past, and they have appeared to be of sturdy construction. I am assuming the handle is held safely onto the business end by pins or rivets. It seems to me that the handle is probably ivory, which is quite strong and capable of withstanding some amount of pressure. I am wondering if this item is identified in any of the Gorham catalogs on the CD set. When I get a chance I will try to figure that out. IP: Logged |
|
Scott Martin Forum Master Posts: 11520 |
posted 11-20-2003 09:36 PM
From an 1894 Gorham Catalogue:  IP: Logged |
|
Patrick Vyvyan Posts: 640 |
posted 11-20-2003 11:16 PM
With a point like that you could probably knock out Polar bears as well, I love it!!! IP: Logged |
|
Paul Lemieux Posts: 1792 |
posted 11-21-2003 12:08 AM
Thanks for the catalog image, Scott! IP: Logged |
|
vathek Posts: 966 |
posted 11-21-2003 08:15 AM
The photo from Scott clinches it and I learn something every day. Still wonder about it's specific function tho. It's not that big and because of the ivory handle apparently wasn't intended as a kitchen implement, but perhaps to be used at a sideboard or on the table? Ah, the dining habits of the Victorians. Thanks for the photo Scott. IP: Logged |
All times are ET | next newest topic | next oldest topic |
  |
|
Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.46a
|
1. Public Silver Forums (open Free membership) - anyone with a valid e-mail address may register. Once you have received your Silver Salon Forum password, and then if you abide by the Silver Salon Forum Guidelines, you may start a thread or post a reply in the New Members' Forum. New Members who show a continued willingness to participate, to completely read and abide by the Guidelines will be allowed to post to the Member Public Forums. 2. Private Silver Salon Forums (invitational or $ donation membership) - The Private Silver Salon Forums require registration and special authorization to view, search, start a thread or to post a reply. Special authorization can be obtained in one of several ways: by Invitation; Annual $ Donation; or via Special Limited Membership. For more details click here (under development). 3. Administrative/Special Private Forums (special membership required) - These forums are reserved for special subjects or administrative discussion. These forums are not open to the public and require special authorization to view or post. |
|
copyright © 1993 - 2022
SM Publications
All Rights Reserved. Legal & Privacy Notices |
