Pipe Tongs, 1750-1850

01

Artifact Overview

Before matches were widely available, smokers used tongs like this one to light their pipes. The flattened ends of the scissor-like tongs let a person pick up an ember and hold it steady. Blacksmiths made the tongs from durable wrought iron that withstood the heat of the fire.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Pipe tongs

Date Made

1750-1850

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

00.441.8

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Iron (Metal)

Color

Black (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 1.5 in
Width: 3.75 in
Length: 13.875 in

Pipe Tongs, 1750-1850