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Post by hawkeyes on Mar 31, 2020 13:08:09 GMT -7
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Post by brokennock on Mar 31, 2020 22:05:20 GMT -7
Good stuff. Can you give us an idea of scale? Maybe a pic next to a pipe?
In the second painting it looks like the subject is improvising using a serving fork as ember tongs.
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Post by artificer on Apr 1, 2020 0:25:10 GMT -7
WOW, I've never seen, nor read about a pipe ember tong as small/delicate as in the first painting provided.
Though Brokennock is onto something on the second painting, in that the ember tong looks like it is a matched piece to the stag horn knife, it definitely has the discs on the end that would not be found on a serving fork. What surprises me is by the man's clotheing, it doesn't look like he could afford such a matched set. Maybe he is sitting in a Tavern and using Tavern property?
Now the guy in the third painting was obviously a SERIOUS pipe smoker as he is using a set of ember tongs from a full size fireplace set! Grin.
Thanks Hawkeyes, I enjoyed the paintings and it seems you have made a nice set of tongs for yourself.
Gus
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Post by hawkeyes on Apr 1, 2020 3:08:04 GMT -7
The tongs sit within the palm of the hand comfortably, I'll snap a image for reference today.
In terms of the second painting that was my idea as well. However I'm not 100% certain as to how exactly he is lighting his pipe, open for discussion and further investigation. May be he simply forked a coal, and it appears that way. Good use of repurposing the ole fork.
From my reading it appears these tongs would have been something more prevalent amongst the tavern crowds and furnished for use. Certainly an item of luxury.
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Post by hawkeyes on Apr 1, 2020 3:31:02 GMT -7
I have came across what is called "the smokers companion". The examples in the images were dated to the later part of the 17th century found at Jamestown. The last item was uncovered on a site in Maryland.     With the examples being dated earlier, it seems the smaller pocket sized companion came before the larger, full sized tongs. What I'm trying to find out is why? It just doesn't seem very effective to light a delicate clay pipe with such a large instrument. Or the ember bowl.  This method of lighting gets the paws hot in a hurry... I've lit my pipes on numerous occasions from the tinderbox. |
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Post by brokennock on Apr 1, 2020 11:17:21 GMT -7
I see no way for the device in the second painting to be opened and closed as with a wet of tongs.
I've seen the smoker's companion before, always wanted one, and wasn't sure if it was based on artifacts, thanks for the photos.
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Post by spence on Apr 1, 2020 11:34:25 GMT -7
Neat job.
Do you have any info about the date of the first painting in your original post?
Spence
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Post by hawkeyes on Apr 1, 2020 15:16:14 GMT -7
Neat job. Do you have any info about the date of the first painting in your original post? Spence From the Michigan auction site it originated from a private collection and was dated between 1730-1740 from an unknown Dutch artist. I've never came across another painting like it and couldn't find any other details. Maybe you may have more luck or resources available to nail the artist down. |
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Post by spence on Apr 1, 2020 16:16:47 GMT -7
Thanks. I was just curious about the date.
Spence
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