DESCRIPTION: This is a malleable or hammered iron decorated coal tongs circa 1800s. By 1850s, cast iron stoves and coal were replacing open hearths and firewood as the primary means of cooking and heating the home. Malleable or hammered iron tongs were made to tend coals in cast iron stoves because normal fireplace pokers and forks would not work. This hammered iron decorated coal tongs are very ornate with 5 fingers, gripping claws that have stars, hearts, and other figures punched out, wedding bands on handle, and wedding band finial on the end. It is very rare to find a malleable or hammered iron tongs that still has all five fingers on each gripping claw. MEASUREMENTS: 14 Inches Long

The hammered iron decorated coal tongs are in excellent condition with age appropriate patina.