This is not the kind of thing I typically have in the shop, but when I saw this set it just took my breath away and I could not leave it behind. Hand-forged wrought iron with rivets joining individual pieces on the rack, the set includes the wall hanging utensil rack plus two flesh/roasting forks and one spatula, all featuring this wonderfully ornate, perfectly irregular heart and curl decoration and with hanging rings at the ends. Late 18th or very early 19th century I believe, and--found in New Hampshire--I think either New England or Pennsylvania.
From what I understand, heart decorated iron pieces were usually made for a young women's dowry or as wedding presents, and were primarily made for show purposes and display. This is certainly show-worthy, just striking hung on the wall, like a functional three-dimensional line drawing.
Very good condition, with aging to the iron, which reads black, as documented. The curled piece attached by rivet to the bottom left of the hanging rack is a tiny bit loose, meaning it will move a but if wiggled, but it is firmly attached and stable. On the back side of the rack is a small area of residue I'd guess from the surface of a wall.
Rack measures 11 1/2" tall x 11 3/4" wide x 3/4" deep. Long fork: 10 3/4" x 2 5/8" x 1/2". Short fork: 10 1/4" x 2 5/8" x 1/2". Spatula: 7 7/8" long x 2 1/8" wide x 5/8" deep.
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