Offered here is a fine set of silver tongs featuring a seashell on one arm and a three-toed claw on the other. The piece measures nearly 8” long overall.

The tongs are engraved on one arm with initials “UC”. This piece is in very fine condition. Interestingly, this piece is twice maker-marked. The original underlaying stamp is “MITCHELL & TYLER” with “JAMES E. CALDWELL & Co.” stamped over; both were prominent silversmiths and silver merchants.

John Henry Tyler was apprenticed about 1822 to William Mitchell in Richmond VA. He worked there from 1835-1845 as a silversmith in Mitchell’s shop at 108 West Main Street. Tyler became a partner in the business in 1845 when it was known as “MITCHELL & TYLER”.

James Emmot Caldwell founded his own company at 163 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, in 1839. In 1843 the firm became the partnership of Bennett & Caldwell, then in 1848 was renamed J.E. Caldwell & Co. It produced its own silverware until the early 1850s, but subsequently the word “manufacturer” disappeared from its advertising. The firm experienced rapid growth from the start.

A very interesting serving piece from the William A. Turner collection.  [jet][ph:L]

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