JOHN CONGER
Signed
Carved Pastry Wheel  

Probably New York City, ca.1825-1835, in dense mahogany.

Crisply impressed several times J. CONGER, the celebrated maker.

Deeply and skillfully carved with acanthus leaves, flowers, and chip carved borders, it was made for use by professional bakers, well-to-do households, or restaurants/hotels to create extra-ordinary baked goods. The carving is even more impressive given the surface being carved into was curved.

According to culinary historian William Woys Weaver, this roller would have been used for pastries, fancy pie crusts, and cookies.

Superb condition. Original surface. About 11 3/4 inches long x 3 diameter.

For reference about John Conger, see The Magazine Antiques, December,1990, "Cake Boards" by Louise Belden; The Clarion, The New Year's Cake Print, A Distinctly American Art Form, fall, 1989; 300 years of Kitchen Collectables, Franklin, "Catching John Conger”.

From a fine Connecticut collection.