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How to Identify Antique Colonial Cooking Utensils

How to Identify Antique Colonial Cooking Utensils thumbnail
Identify Antique Colonial Cooking Utensils

Colonial cooking utensils were built to last by blacksmiths of the time. Many examples of these well-crafted 18th century utensils can be found today at flea markets, yard sales and estate sales. These cooking utensils can often be had for very little money because most people overlook their collectible value as antiques. Colonial cooking utensils are both practical and collectible, and by learning a few identifiable characteristics, you can begin the hunt for Colonial cooking utensils to add to your kitchen collection.

Instructions

    • 1

      Look for cooking utensils that are oxidized but look as if they may have a smooth, polished appearance beneath the oxidation. Many Colonial cooking utensils underwent a process called whitesmithing, which means the iron utensils were polished and sanded until they became almost as shiny as silver. Over time, oxidation occurs and covers the whitesmithing work, but if you use a utensil cleaning solution, you can usually wipe away enough of the oxidation to get a look at the whitesmithed surface beneath.

    • 2

      Ensure the cooking utensils you look at are wrought iron. You can usually tell this by a slightly rough texture and the heavy weight. Colonial cooking utensils were also almost always large.

    • 3

      Check for loops or hooks at the end of ladles and spatulas. Colonial cooking utensils have one or the other for convenient hanging.

    • 4

      Look for iron rivets joining ladle bowls to the handles. Many Colonial pieces featured the two-piece construction.

    • 5

      Look for imprinted blacksmith markings. Blacksmiths in Colonial times took pride in their work and considered it an art form. You will always find a stamped blacksmith identification name that typically announces the city or town where the piece was forged and usually the date as well.

Tips & Warnings

  • Visit as many flea markets, yard sales and estate sales as you can. Antique shops are also good sources for Colonial cookware, but antique dealers know the value of such objects and you're likely to pay a higher price.

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References

  • Photo Credit http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page

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