Pipe tongs

1740-1800

Measurements

21 in x 3-3/8 in x 1-1/2 in (extended)

Materials

Iron

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp

Accession Number

1959.3598

Provenance

Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp

Comments

These pipe tongs extend with a scissors action, allowing the user to grasp a hot ember in the disk-shaped pincers while avoiding heat from the fire.  The wrought iron bars used to make these tongs were flattened in the sections peened together.  The handles were formed by looping the rounded stock on itself.  Such tongs found use at the kitchen fire or other, smaller fireplaces that provided warmth in the house.   Although likely made in the United States, nothing distinguishes these tongs from similar ones made in England or Europe.