Manufacturer

W. Werntz

Material

iron

Dimensions

Overall: 3 1/4 x 18 1/8 x 3/4in. (8.3 x 46 x 1.9cm)

Creation Date

circa 1800 – 1850

Description

Wrought iron spatula with a long, two-stage shaped handle. Top portion is of flat, broad section with a scrolled hanging hook forged integrally at the tip. Chisel-cut and punched decoration appears on the top surface. Bottom portion of handle is of narrow, round section and flares as it flows into the blade with a chamfered shoulder. Crooked blade has a rounded front edge, and narrows before swelling into a rounded projection on either side.

Also called a "turner," the common spatula found in early American kitchens is essentially identical to those in use today. This bladed tool is just the thing to flip over whatever delicacy one was cooking, either on a griddle or in pan or skillet. Can you imagine trying to make pancakes without one? Once the food preparation was done, a spatula was ideal to scrape the bottom of the cooking vessel clean with.

Likely made in Pennsylvania, this attractive spatula was made by a W. Werntz, whose work is known by a number of iron kitchen implements, suggesting he was a prolific maker.

Marks/Inscription

Maker's mark W.WERNTZ is stamped into the top surface of handle's end.

Provenance

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Gift of Mr. Foster McCarl, Jr.

Kitchen Artifact ID

Acc. No. 1979-478