Fish Server 1777

This fish server was created by William Plummer in the late 18th century. The pierced blade is made of silver, with a carved ivory handle. The material qualities of this object speak volumes about its intended audience. Silver, a precious metal, was carefully wrought by a skilled silversmith into an intricate design. Meanwhile, the ivory handle indicates the wealth and status of the owner, who could afford such luxury materials. But consider the labor involved, both in the mining of the silver, the hunting of the elephant, the crafting of the handle, and the piercing of the silver. The finished object served to elevate the dining experience, and the owner’s social standing. Utensils like this make you think about the hierarchies of taste and class that were so carefully maintained in the 1700s, and remind us that even something as simple as serving fish can be loaded with social meaning.