Victorian Silver-Plated Asparagus Tongs
A wonderfully substantial pair of Victorian silver-plated asparagus tongs, dating to the late 19th century and made for the elegant Victorian dining table.
These impressive serving tongs have a particularly handsome architectural form, with broad shaped handles and beautifully ribbed gripping sections, designed to hold and serve asparagus spears neatly at the table. Their generous proportions and weight give them a wonderful sense of quality.
Asparagus was considered something of a delicacy during the Victorian period, and specialist serving pieces such as these formed part of the extensive tableware used in well-appointed households. Rather than serving individual portions, this style of tong was designed to sit on the table or serving dish and allow asparagus to be lifted without damaging the delicate spears.
The silver plate has developed a lovely mellow patina, with surface marks and areas of wear consistent with age and use. The original maker’s marks can be seen to the inside.
Today, they are not only a fascinating piece of Victorian social and dining history, but remain entirely usable for serving asparagus and other vegetables. They also look wonderful displayed amongst antique silver and tableware.
Period: Victorian, late 19th century
Material: Silver plate
Purpose: Asparagus serving tongs
Condition: Good antique condition with age-related surface wear, marks and patination.
A fabulous and increasingly unusual piece of Victorian specialist tableware — exactly the sort of object that brings a little history and theatre back to the dining table.
Heritage House – History in Your Home.
