Pie Server 1863 - 1873

This pie server was made by Albert Coles in the United States, out of solid silver. It is a beautiful example of silversmithing: the handle carefully twisted, the serving end elegantly shaped and engraved with fruit. Consider how this object would have been made. Silver is a soft, precious material, which would have been heated, hammered and shaped with specialized tools. The engraved decoration then added to the surface. While it is possible this was made by Coles himself, he likely employed a team of silversmiths to create this, and many other objects. There’s an enormous amount of hand-work involved in the production process, reflecting not only Coles’s artistry, but also the labor of skilled artisans. In its time, owning such an object declared wealth, taste, and social standing. Next time you have a slice of pie, consider the many hands that have shaped the material culture around us.