Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
British Galleries, Room 52a

Meat Skewer

1816 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Object Type
Silver skewers were both decorative and functional. They were principally used to serve meat and poultry elegantly at the table. The skewers held the joints in place while the meat was being carved and may also have been used to test if the meat was cooked. Larger skewers dressed beef or veal joints, while smaller ones embellished poultry or game such as pheasant or partridge. Few skewers survive with hallmarks prior to 1745, with the majority dating between the 1750s and the 1850s.

Design
This skewer is typical of one of the two basic forms produced. The blade could be oblong or lozenge-shaped in cross section. Here it is lozenge-shaped, a style used in the late 18th and early 19th century. The ring enabled the skewer to be easily pulled out of the meat. The design of skewers could be much more elaborate than this example with beaded, reeded or shell decoration. In the 19th century skewers were produced to match the fashionable cutlery patterns.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Silver
Dimensions
  • Width: 2.9cm
  • Length: 28cm
Dimensions checked: Measured; 31/01/1998 by MH
Marks and inscriptions
Marked with initials 'T.D.'
Credit line
Given by Mr Henry Oliver
Object history
Marked with initials 'T.D.'
Made in London
Summary
Object Type
Silver skewers were both decorative and functional. They were principally used to serve meat and poultry elegantly at the table. The skewers held the joints in place while the meat was being carved and may also have been used to test if the meat was cooked. Larger skewers dressed beef or veal joints, while smaller ones embellished poultry or game such as pheasant or partridge. Few skewers survive with hallmarks prior to 1745, with the majority dating between the 1750s and the 1850s.

Design
This skewer is typical of one of the two basic forms produced. The blade could be oblong or lozenge-shaped in cross section. Here it is lozenge-shaped, a style used in the late 18th and early 19th century. The ring enabled the skewer to be easily pulled out of the meat. The design of skewers could be much more elaborate than this example with beaded, reeded or shell decoration. In the 19th century skewers were produced to match the fashionable cutlery patterns.
Collection
Accession number
M.6-1926

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Record createdMarch 27, 2003
Record URL
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