Material

iron

Dimensions

Overall: 4 3/4 x 7/8 x 4 1/4in. (12.1 x 2.2 x 10.8cm)

Creation Date

circa 1770 – 1830

Description

Wrought iron pot or lid lifter constructed of a single bar of iron formed into an "S" like shape. Its crossection varies from narrow and square to wider and flattened. The hook end terminates with a tiny scroll while the handle end is capped with a faceted knop.

Without heavy cloth potholders or space-age polymer mitts, the early American cook had only two real options to move a super-hot iron cooking vessel around the kitchen. A wadded up cloth could work, but such rags didn't always provide a sure grip, potentially leading to a messy spill or a painful burn. An attractive alternative was the simple "lifter," which could be made by any blacksmith, and limited only by imagination. Having a sturdy hand-hold at its top and a firm hook below, the lifter was the perfect tool to use when picking up a steaming vessel or removing a hot pot lid.

Provenance

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Museum Purchase. Provenance: Edgar Sittig, Shawnee-on-Delaware, PA

Kitchen Artifact ID

Acc. No. 1953-348