Tongs 1797 - 1800

These tongs were made by Joel Sayre, a silversmith active in New York City between 1797 and 1818. Made of silver, it would have been carefully shaped and hammered to achieve its sleek form. Silver objects like this offer a fascinating look into early American craft. Silversmiths occupied a unique social position, often involved in both making and selling their wares, they were deeply embedded in their local economies. The high level of skill required to create objects like these tongs reflects a long tradition of silversmithing, and the way this particular silversmith manipulated the material to form the tool speaks to the expertise and care of a master craftsman. Recognizing the labor and skill involved in such objects enriches our appreciation, underscoring the value of craft in understanding history and culture.