Antique Ercuis Silver Manche À Gigot Or Bone Holder

Details

Description

This is an antique French manche à gigot (also known as a leg-of-lamb bone holder). This specific piece was crafted … Read more This is an antique French manche à gigot (also known as a leg-of-lamb bone holder). This specific piece was crafted by the renowned French haute orfèvrerie house, Ercuis.
Purpose and History:
Introduced into French dining culture during the 19th century, the manche à gigot is an elegant carving aid. It solved a highly practical problem of the era: it allowed the host or server to firmly grasp and carve a hot, freshly roasted leg of lamb (or ham) right at the dining table without burning their fingers or getting covered in roasting juices.
How It Works:
The stylized, crown-like clamp end opens up to slip over the exposed shank bone of the roast.
Tighten:
Turning the decorative clover-shaped wing-nut/key drives a screw mechanism that clamps the metal jaws securely around the bone.
Carve:
With the handle acting as a clean, sturdy grip, the carver can tilt and steady the meat safely while slicing clean portions with a standard carving knife and fork.

Today, these items are highly prized by collectors of antique silverware and vintage kitchenware for their unique mix of "Old World" culinary history and table etiquette. Perfect gift for the foodie you thought had everything.
This is hallmarked with the French silver maker’s mark of Ercuis, a centaur. Excellent, used antique condition.

8.5” long long
2.75” wide
1” deep See less