Pie crimper, nineteenth century
Unknown maker
Ivory, ebony, tortoiseshell, brass
Gift of Robert M. Waggaman
1991.101.202
Pie crimpers are devices for adding a decorative edge to a pie crust. They are sometimes called jagging wheels, after the toothed wheels that form the working part of the tool. Scrimshanders often carved pie crimpers in fantastical shapes, including unicorns, snakes, and sea monsters. This beautifully carved pie crimper depicts a bicorn (two horned) horse with detailed eyes, ears, mouth, and a swirling tail joined to the creature’s rear feet.