Tongs

Maker Josiah Penfield (American, Founded 1820 - 1828)

Datec. 1816 - 1820

Mediumsilver

Dimensions6 1/2 inches (16.5 cm)

MarkingsMaker's mark: PENFIELD [in serrated rectangle]

Credit LineGift of Mr. E. Descombe Wells.

Object numberOT1961.36

On View

On view

CopyrightThe images and text contained on this page are owned by Telfair Museums or used by the Museum with permission from the owners. Unauthorized reproduction, transmission or display of these materials is prohibited with the exception of items deemed “fair use” as defined by U.S. and international copyright laws.Label TextConnecticut-born silversmith Josiah Penfield (1785-1828) joined his uncle Isaac Marquand (1766–1838) at his jewelry store in Savannah in 1800 to learn the silversmith trade. By 1810 he was a partner in their firm Marquand, Paulding & Penfield. In 1820, he partnered with his cousin Frederick Marquand (1799–1882) of New York in their firm J. Penfield & Co. The cousins worked together for four years before disbanding in 1824. Two years after Marquand’s departure, silversmith Moses Eastman (1794–1850) joined the firm. Penfield and Eastman operated their business together until Penfield’s death in 1828. Historically used to place lumps of sugar into a teacup, sugar tongs became an important element of the traditional tea service during the 18th and 19th century. This sugar tong has an overall simple, neoclassical form. Yet, the scalloped edges demonstrate the early demand for increased ornament on silver objects among wealthy Americans come the second quarter of the 19th century.

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