Material

iron

Dimensions

Overall: 14 5/8 x 3 1/8 x 1/2in. (37.1 x 7.9 x 1.3cm)

Creation Date

circa 1750 – 1820

Description

Wrought iron spatula with a slightly flaring handle of rectangular section, topped with a serrated ram's-horn terminal, and forged integrally with a straight, rectangular blade. Top shoulders of blade are rounded.

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. This piece, which takes the form of a small peel, is very worn, suggesting it had a long and rough life in the kitchen.

Provenance

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Museum Purchase.

Kitchen Artifact ID

Acc. No. 1946-88