Rare
Signed and Dated
Skewer Set
“I. Iones” 1766 

Probably New England, blacksmithed iron, dated 1766 and signed “I. Iones” (likely J. Jones as the letter ‘I’ was often used in place of ‘J’ in this period).

A great rarity. I don’t recall ever seeing a signed and dated example, let alone one so early! The skewer arm terminates in beautiful curls which are not only decorative yet also keep the skewers from slipping off.

Outstanding condition and surface. About 13 inches high from the top to the end of the longest skewer, by 6 inches wide. An essential implement in the 18th-century kitchen, skewers were used to secure meat, poultry, or fish while roasting over an open fire.

Provenance includes Hollis Brodrick; private NH collection.