Peter Krider Rare Antique Coin Silver Figural Beef Serving Tongs, Philadelphia, PA, c. 1865

This unusual item would make a wonderful and useful server for any buffet. The shaped spade is used to scoop under food, while the impressive hoof secures what is being served. The details are lovely. Bright-cut engraving decorates the outside of the handles, and a gothic-style 'B' initial is engraved at the squared-off elbow.

An example of these tongs is in the collection of the Newark Museum. The tongs are pictured in a 1990 Silver Magazinearticle, which suggests that these may have been"beef tongs." (1)

Originally from Philadelphia, Peter Krider apprenticed with John Curry and R. & W. Wilson. He later was a journeyman for Obadiah Rich, Boston's leading silversmith of the time. He returned to Philadelphia and started his shop in the 1850s, ultimately becoming one of Philadelphia's most important silversmiths. His shop produced particularly fine castings, and they were one of the country's largest medal-making firms, making award medals for the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia and many other exhibitions (see The Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers, p. 186).

This wonderful server is marked underneath 'P.L.K.' It measures 6.5 inches long, weighs 1.55 troy ounces, and is in very good antique condition. 

Endnote:

1. "Tongs in the Newark Museum," Silver Magazine, May/June, 1990, pp. 26-27.