{"product_id":"victorian-asparagus-tongs","title":"Victorian Asparagus Tongs","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVictorian Silver-Plated Asparagus Tongs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eA wonderfully substantial pair of \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVictorian silver-plated asparagus tongs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e, dating to the late 19th century and made for the elegant Victorian dining table.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThese impressive serving tongs have a particularly handsome architectural form, with broad shaped handles and beautifully \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eribbed gripping sections\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e, designed to hold and serve asparagus spears neatly at the table. Their generous proportions and weight give them a wonderful sense of quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eAsparagus 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eToday, they are not only a fascinating piece of \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eVictorian social and dining history\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e, but remain entirely usable for serving asparagus and other vegetables. They also look wonderful displayed amongst antique silver and tableware.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e Victorian, late 19th century\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e Silver plate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePurpose:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e Asparagus serving tongs\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e Good antique condition with age-related surface wear, marks and patination.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHeritage House – History in Your Home.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Heritage House Cotswolds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59616582435141,"sku":null,"price":42.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1077\/2139\/2453\/files\/IMG_3132.jpg?v=1791384119","url":"https:\/\/heritagehousecotswolds.com\/products\/victorian-asparagus-tongs","provider":"Heritage House Cotswolds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}