A substantial and finely detailed pair of antique American sterling silver serving tongs by Bailey & Co., Philadelphia, late 19th century.
Measuring an impressive 10 inches in length, these are not delicate sugar nips but rather commanding serving tongs intended for larger fare. The richly chased terminals are adorned with flowing foliate scrollwork over a finely textured ground—ornamentation characteristic of the height of Victorian design. The exterior presents elegant repoussé decoration, while the interior arms are sculpturally modeled in high relief as stylized bird talons, culminating in boldly formed claw grips designed to securely grasp larger foods.
The elongated arms rise into a graceful U-shaped bow, providing excellent reach and strong spring tension—well suited for serving items such as asparagus, pastries, rolls, sliced meats, or other substantial table offerings.
The reverse is clearly marked BAILEY & CO., the esteemed Philadelphia firm whose work represents the refinement and ambition of late 19th-century American silver prior to its absorption into Gorham. A flowing script monogram adds period character and a sense of history.
Architectural in scale and dramatic in detail, these 10-inch tongs are both functional and decorative—an impressive addition to a formal table and a fine example of robust American Victorian silver craftsmanship
Creator:
Bailey, Banks & Biddle (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 10 in (25.4 cm)
Width: 3 in (7.62 cm)
Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Sterling Silver
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1880-1889
Date of Manufacture:
CIRCA 1880'S
Condition:
Excellent
A substantial and finely detailed pair of antique American sterling silver serving tongs by Bailey & Co., Philadelphia, late 19th century.
Measuring an impressive 10 inches in length, these are not delicate sugar nips but rather commanding serving tongs intended for larger fare. The richly chased terminals are adorned with flowing foliate scrollwork over a finely textured ground—ornamentation characteristic of the height of Victorian design. The exterior presents elegant repoussé decoration, while the interior arms are sculpturally modeled in high relief as stylized bird talons, culminating in boldly formed claw grips designed to securely grasp larger foods.
The elongated arms rise into a graceful U-shaped bow, providing excellent reach and strong spring tension—well suited for serving items such as asparagus, pastries, rolls, sliced meats, or other substantial table offerings.
The reverse is clearly marked BAILEY & CO., the esteemed Philadelphia firm whose work represents the refinement and ambition of late 19th-century American silver prior to its absorption into Gorham. A flowing script monogram adds period character and a sense of history.
Architectural in scale and dramatic in detail, these 10-inch tongs are both functional and decorative—an impressive addition to a formal table and a fine example of robust American Victorian silver craftsmanship
Creator:
Bailey, Banks & Biddle (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 10 in (25.4 cm)
Width: 3 in (7.62 cm)
Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Sterling Silver
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1880-1889
Date of Manufacture:
CIRCA 1880'S
Condition:
Excellent
