Early Pennsylvania Whitesmith fashioned Salamanders Spatulas Pair

These early white-smith fashioned salamanders, (sold as a pair) offer instant late 18th to early 19th century charm to any hearth or cupboard creating vibrant results! Both of these Pennsylvania origin pieces would have been used as a turner and can also be called spatulas. Hearth utensils such as ladles, spoons, forks, etc. are more common whereas spatulas are considered scarcer hearth pieces to acquire especially found as a pair.

Who exactly is a white-smith you may ask? A white-smith is similar to a blacksmith but does much finer work, using a file for his tool of choice. This piece will appear somewhat shiny and smooth from filing the surface while other spatula’s may also include designs that were “cut in” using a file. In retrospect, a blacksmith would make well designed items but these pieces would lack the additional detailed elements as well as omitting the time consuming filing process that would render a smooth surface.

These spatula’s exhibit a primitive and crudely fashioned look but yet the scalloped edges on the second piece do convey decorative form. Well defined loops are located in the back that act as hangers and will allow these spatula’s to be hung from the edge of any wooden recipient such as a bowl holder, an open cupboard or even by way of using a piece of string…… similar to a clothesline situation.

There are areas of surface rust in reference to the spatula with the rectangular bottom located on the edge of the handle (near the top) as noted in images 11 & 12 as well as on the front (see image 9). The first spatula that sports the scalloped edges does have a slight bend at the bottom that curves toward the back as shown in image 6. The surface has dulled to a desirable pewter color over time. However the front of the rectangular shaped turner is a tad more shiny than the other piece. Amazingly enough when both spatulas are turned over the color is an instant match.

Early hearth ware cooking pieces are not only classic objects to own but certainly can create a story as far as how these pieces were used long ago……perhaps flipping over hoecakes in the morning light on a brisk winter day with the family gathering round huddled up to the warm hearth, anxiously awaiting breakfast! Enjoy!

Spatula with the rectangular end stands 12 ¼” tall, handle measures ¾” at the top and graduates down to ¼”, turner measures almost 3” tall & measures almost 2” @ the widest point near the bottom. Scalloped design spatula stands 12 ¼” tall, handle measures ¾” at the top and graduates down to ¼”, turner measures almost 3” tall & measures almost 2” @ the widest point near the bottom.