Gorham 'Medallion' Pattern Antique Sterling Silver Salad Tongs, Providence, RI, c. 1870

These rare serving tongs are in the 'Medallion' pattern which features classical profile portraits against a stippled background. One portrait is Ceres, with wheat in her hair, and the other is Achilles. At the elbow is a beautifully engraved 'HBB' monogram.

The ends of the long handles terminate with a bowl and a chicken claw as tines. Each of the ends are covered in lovely gilding.  The same form was used as ice tongs, but the bowls of ice tongs are pierced.

This rare server is marked with Gorham's trademark along with 'GORHAM & CO/ STERLING'. It measures 14 inches long, weighs 8.5 troy ounces and is in excellent antique condition with light wear to the gilding.