overall: 1 1/4 in x 6 in x 1 7/8 in; 3.175 cm x 15.24 cm x 4.7625 cm
Object Name:
tongs
Object Type:
flatware
tongs
Place made:
United States: Massachusetts, Boston
Date made:
1792
Description:
This object is a sugar tong bearing the mark of Paul Revere’s silver shop. It is in bow form with tapering arms and acorn-shaped hollow tips. Wriggle work lines are etched into the outside border of the arms and bow, a cross-hatch pattern enclosing dots is on the cap of the acorn-shaped tips and wriggle work and a bright-cut eclipse enclosing an engraved crest is on the bow.
Paul Revere Jr. trained with his father, Paul Revere Sr., in the silversmith trade. After his father’s death in 1754, the shop passed over to Revere Jr. It was a large and active shop where all manner of items were made or repaired. Revere also ran a very diverse business providing various services as well importing goods from overseas. In the post-war period, he greatly expanded his business services and brought his son into the business with him.
Related Publication:
Sewer, Andy; Allison, David; Liebhold, Peter; Davis, Nancy; Franz, Kathleen G.. American Enterprise: A History of Business in America
