Sheiebler Sterling Silver Asparagus Tongs with Bird Motif
Flatware - Serving Piece (Asparagus Tongs) · George W. Shiebler & Co. (New York), active 1876-1910. Known for high-quality, idiosyncratic Art Nouveau and Aesthetic Movement designs.
Pattern: Custom or small-batch Art Nouveau pattern featuring avian and botanical motifs; production currently discontinued.
Type
Flatware - Serving Piece (Asparagus Tongs)
Maker
George W. Shiebler & Co. (New York), active 1876-1910. Known for high-quality, idiosyncratic Art Nouveau and Aesthetic Movement designs.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity), solid composition with no weighted elements or mixed materials.
Dimensions
Standard asparagus tong size, approximately 7-9 inches in length; estimated weight 80-120 grams.
Description
A remarkable example of Gilded Age dining luxury, these Shiebler tongs feature a realistic bird nestled in reeds. The 'pineapple' stylized prongs are a hallmark of eccentric high-end American silver design.
Key Features
The distinctive Shiebler winged mark, the high-relief avian repoussé, and the specialized 'copyrighted' marking indicating a proprietary design.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity), solid composition with no weighted elements or mixed materials.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized and bright-polished finish. Features intricate repoussé and chased decoration of a bird amongst foliage on the handle, with cast three-pronged botanical/pineapple style tips.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'STERLING', the 'S' within a winged logo for Shiebler, '950' (unusually high purity or specific model number), and 'COPYRIGHTED'.
Construction Details
Tongs feature a spring-tension U-bend handle; hand-chased and repoussé handle panels likely soldered to the spring mechanism with cast decorative tips.
Functional Features
Single-piece spring tension mechanism designed to grasp delicate asparagus spears without crushing; wide, flat prongs for even pressure distribution.
Handle & Grip Details
Wide, flat silver grip with contoured edges; relief decoration provides ergonomic friction for handling.
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-chased detailing shows high skill; the transition between the spring handle and the cast tips is seamlessly integrated, showing superior benchwork.
Authentication Indicators
Clear Shiebler winged logo; deep, quality repoussé characteristic of New York workshops; authentic 'Sterling' and 'Copyrighted' die-striking.
Origin & Manufacturing
New York City, USA; manufactured by George W. Shiebler, one of the most creative American silversmiths of the 19th century.
Era & Period
Late Victorian / Aesthetic Movement (c. 1880-1900), characterized by nature-inspired motifs and specialized dining implements.
Age Estimate
Circa 1890-1895 based on the style of the Shiebler winged mark and the 'COPYRIGHTED' stamp common during that decade.
Cultural Significance
Represents the extreme specialization of 19th-century dining culture, where dedicated silver pieces were required for every specific vegetable served at a formal dinner.
Condition Notes
Very Good - Excellent. Minor surface scratches consistent with age; spring tension remains intact; hallmarks are crisp and legible.
Value Estimate
$400 - $750 USD, depending on collector demand for Shiebler-specific items and weight.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild soap; use professional silver cream (Hagerty/Wrights); avoid machine dishwashers which will damage the oxidation and spring tension.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Bird' patterns or Gorham 'Narragansett' pieces. Shiebler is typically more unique and artisanal compared to larger mass-producers.
Interesting Facts
George Shiebler was known as 'the man who made medallions'; his workshop was famous for refusing to mass-produce identical items, preferring unique artistic expressions.