This impressive pair of sterling silver asparagus tongs by Bailey, Banks & Biddle is a superb example of the firm’s high-style hollowware and serving accessories, created for the formal tables of the late 19th century when every course—and every vegetable—had its own specialized implement.
The long, elegantly tapering arms are lavishly chased with dense scrolling foliate ornament in a rich repoussé style, forming an allover pattern that gives the surface remarkable depth and texture. At the crown, a sculptural floral terminal adds a decorative flourish before the arms curve outward into a smooth, spring-loaded hinge that offers both strength and precision in use.
At the working ends, the broad gripping paddles are beautifully pierced and engraved with symmetrical geometric and foliate motifs, framed by crisp borders and star-like cutwork. These openwork surfaces are not merely decorative—they were designed to securely cradle delicate spears while allowing excess butter or sauce to drip away, a thoughtful blend of practicality and ornamentation.
Stamped “BAILEY BANKS & BIDDLE,” the celebrated Philadelphia luxury retailer and silver purveyor, these tongs reflect the golden age of American dining, when asparagus was served as a distinct course and the table glittered with purpose-made silver for every occasion.
A striking, museum-quality serving piece—proof that even humble greens once traveled first class.
Creator:
Bailey, Banks & Biddle (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 13 in (33.02 cm)
Diameter: 4 in (10.16 cm)
Style:
Victorian (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Sterling Silver
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1890-1899
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1890
Condition:
Excellent
This impressive pair of sterling silver asparagus tongs by Bailey, Banks & Biddle is a superb example of the firm’s high-style hollowware and serving accessories, created for the formal tables of the late 19th century when every course—and every vegetable—had its own specialized implement.
The long, elegantly tapering arms are lavishly chased with dense scrolling foliate ornament in a rich repoussé style, forming an allover pattern that gives the surface remarkable depth and texture. At the crown, a sculptural floral terminal adds a decorative flourish before the arms curve outward into a smooth, spring-loaded hinge that offers both strength and precision in use.
At the working ends, the broad gripping paddles are beautifully pierced and engraved with symmetrical geometric and foliate motifs, framed by crisp borders and star-like cutwork. These openwork surfaces are not merely decorative—they were designed to securely cradle delicate spears while allowing excess butter or sauce to drip away, a thoughtful blend of practicality and ornamentation.
Stamped “BAILEY BANKS & BIDDLE,” the celebrated Philadelphia luxury retailer and silver purveyor, these tongs reflect the golden age of American dining, when asparagus was served as a distinct course and the table glittered with purpose-made silver for every occasion.
A striking, museum-quality serving piece—proof that even humble greens once traveled first class.
Creator:
Bailey, Banks & Biddle (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 13 in (33.02 cm)
Diameter: 4 in (10.16 cm)
Style:
Victorian (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Sterling Silver
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1890-1899
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1890
Condition:
Excellent
Image 1 of 5
Image 2 of 5
Image 3 of 5
Image 4 of 5
Image 5 of 5