Skewer
1790-1791 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This silver skewer would have been used to cook and possibly serve meat. The ring at one end made it easier to withdraw the skewer and also allowed it to be stored on a hook.
There are references to ‘skuares’ from the late 17th century. They varied in size from 6-14 in (15-36cm). The smallest were used for game birds and the largest for veal and beef. As well as holding the meat together, skewers transmitted the heat during cooking and enabled it to cook more quickly. Some were so decorative that they were used to present the meat at the table. Many skewers have since been flattened to serve as paper knives.
There are references to ‘skuares’ from the late 17th century. They varied in size from 6-14 in (15-36cm). The smallest were used for game birds and the largest for veal and beef. As well as holding the meat together, skewers transmitted the heat during cooking and enabled it to cook more quickly. Some were so decorative that they were used to present the meat at the table. Many skewers have since been flattened to serve as paper knives.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Silver |
| Brief description | Silver, London, 1790-1, mark of George Smith and William Fearn |
| Physical description | A straight tapering blade of silver with a ring set at the wide end. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions |
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| Gallery label | 5. SKEWER
London, 1790-1
Mark of George Smith and William Fearn
References to "skuares" occur from the late 17th century. They varied in size from 6 to 14 inches: the smallest were used for game birds and the largest for veal and beef. As well as holding the meat together they transmitted the heat during cooking and enabled it to cook more quickly. Many skewers have saince been flattened to serve as paper knives.
Helen Douglas Ives Bequest
Circ.371-1968(26/11/1996) |
| Credit line | Bequeathed by Helen Douglas Ives |
| Summary | This silver skewer would have been used to cook and possibly serve meat. The ring at one end made it easier to withdraw the skewer and also allowed it to be stored on a hook. There are references to ‘skuares’ from the late 17th century. They varied in size from 6-14 in (15-36cm). The smallest were used for game birds and the largest for veal and beef. As well as holding the meat together, skewers transmitted the heat during cooking and enabled it to cook more quickly. Some were so decorative that they were used to present the meat at the table. Many skewers have since been flattened to serve as paper knives. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | CIRC.371-1968 |
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| Record created | September 10, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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