Ivory carved pie crimper or "jagging wheel"

jagging wheel

SCRIMSHAW & ALLIED ARTS - PIE WHEELS
marad; scrimshaw
P. H. R.
July 15, 1857
ivory; metal
Overall: 6 5/8 x 3 1/4 x 7/8 in.

Elaborate, skillfully carved, ivory pie crimper or 'jagging wheel, used to decoratively seal pastry edges; spokes of the crimping wheel are formed by carved letters spelling "FIDELITY"; carved four-pronged fork extends from the body above the wheel; handle is grasped around the openly carved word "GIFT" on one side and "P. H. R." on the opposite, both surrounded by supporting, open work borders top, bottom and at each end; dated "JULY, 15" across top of handle at base of fork and "1857" across narrow base of handle; maker and recipient unidentified.

1941.413.3