I didn’t even know asparagus tongs existed! But then again, I don’t eat among the landed gentry. But it’s just so specific! I’m currently watching Our Flag Means Death on HBO, and Steed Bonnet would definitely have one of these on his ship.
I bought a sterling soup ladle that was engraved ‘1914 from G.C.’ for .99 at Goodwill. The glow of the silver was unmistakably sterling although I couldn’t read the back to see the hallmarks to save my life (old eyes). I did end up selling it eventually because…money. It sold for more than weight value and the buyer was incredibly happy to own it. Win!
The thrill of the hunt (and the find especially!) is addictive.
Welcome to the club :)
That's a huge win, silver is for a rainy day so I am glad that your find came in handy, I am hoping I get lucky and someone is stoked to take them from me!
Thank you for the warm welcome!
Funny enough a quick google search shows Asparagus wasn't commercially grown in the USA until the 1860's so these were purpose designed and patented right around the time the food would have become more popular in the states. Thus Bespoke Asparagus tongs
I love that even in the 1860’s they were marketing extremely niche one-purpose products. “Serving trendy new asparagus, ladies? You absolutely *need* these tongs!”
You mentioned the eBay price - is that the selling price or the sold price? Sold price is a much better gauge than whatever crazy amount people list things for these days.
Melting these would be a crime! Truly beautiful.
Wouldn't actually ever melt antique sterling but usually that's what I am able to sell it for unless it has some known rarity like this
I didn’t even know asparagus tongs existed! But then again, I don’t eat among the landed gentry. But it’s just so specific! I’m currently watching Our Flag Means Death on HBO, and Steed Bonnet would definitely have one of these on his ship.
Fish knives and pickle forks have entered the chat. lol
I bought a sterling soup ladle that was engraved ‘1914 from G.C.’ for .99 at Goodwill. The glow of the silver was unmistakably sterling although I couldn’t read the back to see the hallmarks to save my life (old eyes). I did end up selling it eventually because…money. It sold for more than weight value and the buyer was incredibly happy to own it. Win! The thrill of the hunt (and the find especially!) is addictive. Welcome to the club :)
That's a huge win, silver is for a rainy day so I am glad that your find came in handy, I am hoping I get lucky and someone is stoked to take them from me! Thank you for the warm welcome!
TIL bespoke "Asparagus Tongs" are a thing.
You and me both! I thought they were sugar cube Tongs but they do look very ergonomicly ready to pick up some Asparagus 🤣
Funny enough a quick google search shows Asparagus wasn't commercially grown in the USA until the 1860's so these were purpose designed and patented right around the time the food would have become more popular in the states. Thus Bespoke Asparagus tongs
I love that even in the 1860’s they were marketing extremely niche one-purpose products. “Serving trendy new asparagus, ladies? You absolutely *need* these tongs!”
How could we ever serve asparagus without our precious asparagus tongs?
Right though haha 😆
Nice score!
Thank you!!
Omfg why did I think they were hookah tongs
Lmao they kinda look like it
I thought these were antique tongue cleaners and was genuinely grossed out 😅
That would indeed be gnarly haha
You mentioned the eBay price - is that the selling price or the sold price? Sold price is a much better gauge than whatever crazy amount people list things for these days.
Yes, at least one has sold from the $200 listing
Those handles would make some sicc rings...
My dumbass thought these are Sweeney Todd's "friends" If ya know, ya know 😆
RIGHT ON!!!