Antique George III English Silver Skewer/Letter Opener

• London, 1807 by Thomas James
• Dimensions: 13 7/8 inches length

The Georgian Silver Skewer was introduced during the mid 18th century. Silver skewers were both decorative and functional. A skewer was predominately used to serve meat and poultry in a nice elegant, refined way at the table. It held the joints in place while the meat was being carved. In general, larger skewers were used for beef and veal joints, while the smaller ones were used for poultry. There are very few skewers that have survived (in good condition with legible hallmarks) prior to 1745. The majority of those that you can acquire, date between the 1760s and the 1840s.

Skewers are very similar in design other than those having ornamental rings or tops. Over the years, they have been used as letter openers and this is their function today.

A very handsome Antique George III Regency Period Sterling Silver Skewer. It is quite simple and elegant in design having hallmarks that are quite clear near the ring handle.