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Antique Solid Silver Sugar Tongs/nips Naturalistic Foliate Design - Francis Higgins 1859
Artisan Antiques
for sale €410     $445
£350
Artisan Antiques

Artisan Antiques

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Antique Solid Silver Sugar Tongs/nips Naturalistic Foliate Design - Francis Higgins 1859

19th century
For Sale by Artisan Antiques
Description

We are delighted to offer this stunning example of Victorian solid silver sugar tongs/nips made by a fine maker; Francis Higgins in London 1859.

The tongs are decorated with the naturalistic foliate theme throughout with an impressive amount of detailing and intricate features.

The pair functions in a similar manner to scissors whereby the user will 'pinch' some sugar (or cubes nowadays) to use for sweetening tea etc.

Whilst the tongs are collectable in their own right for displays, one may additionally wish to practically use them to enjoy a luxurious afternoon tea experience or any other opulent occasion one may wish to indulge in. Full English hallmarks are present on the tips of the tongs.

A fantastic, detailed piece of fine Victorian silverware - please do take the opportunity to zoom in on the photos to fully appreciate the intricate details and craftsmanship.

SIZE

Size (mm) L:10cm W:5cm

Size (inches) L:3.93 W:1.96

Weight: 29 grams (0.93 oz)

CONDITION

Good Condition - The tongs are in good antique condition, with some slight movement to the hinge however nothing major affecting functionality. Please refer to the photographs to examine the condition in further detail.

FREE SHIPPING

Artisan Antiques offers a Global Free Shipping Service with discreet packaging and delivery. We will always ensure you receive the item and see the delivery through to the end.

*All parcels are insured - all shipping liabilities other than import/customs duty, are covered by Artisan Antiques.

*Colours of the product may slightly differ from the photos due to different computer screens & lighting conditions*

- Price negotiations may be possible under certain criteria, please contact us via telephone (07578761640) or email (info@artisanantiques.net) -

Physical Dimensions
Height
10cm (3.94")
Width
5cm (1.97")
Declaration

Artisan Antiques has dated these Victorian Silver Sugar Nips to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA861565
Dealers Notes

We strive to provide inimitable first-class service with your needs and satisfaction as our number one priority.

Description
We are delighted to offer this stunning example of Victorian solid silver sugar tongs/nips made by a fine maker; Francis Higgins in London 1859.
The tongs are decorated with the naturalistic foliate theme throughout with an impressive amount of detailing and intricate features.
Artisan Antiques
fig 1. A pair of Victorian sterling silver scissor-action sugar nips crafted in a detailed branch and leaf design against a black background.
fig 1. Antique Solid Silver Sugar Tongs/nips Naturalistic Foliate Design - Francis Higgins 1859

The pair functions in a similar manner to scissors whereby the user will 'pinch' some sugar (or cubes nowadays) to use for sweetening tea etc.

Whilst the tongs are collectable in their own right for displays, one may additionally wish to practically use them to enjoy a luxurious afternoon tea experience or any other opulent occasion one may wish to indulge in. Full English hallmarks are present on the tips of the tongs.

fig 2. A pair of Victorian sterling silver scissor-action sugar nips crafted in a detailed branch and leaf design against a black background.
fig 2. Antique Solid Silver Sugar Tongs/nips Naturalistic Foliate Design - Francis Higgins 1859

A fantastic, detailed piece of fine Victorian silverware - please do take the opportunity to zoom in on the photos to fully appreciate the intricate details and craftsmanship.

SIZE

Size (mm) L:10cm W:5cm

fig 3. A pair of Victorian sterling silver scissor-action sugar nips crafted in a detailed branch and leaf design against a black background.
fig 3. Antique Solid Silver Sugar Tongs/nips Naturalistic Foliate Design - Francis Higgins 1859

Size (inches) L:3.93 W:1.96

Weight: 29 grams (0.93 oz)

CONDITION

Good Condition - The tongs are in good antique condition, with some slight movement to the hinge however nothing major affecting functionality. Please refer to the photographs to examine the condition in further detail.

fig 4. A pair of Victorian sterling silver scissor-action sugar nips crafted in a detailed branch and leaf design against a black background.
fig 4. Antique Solid Silver Sugar Tongs/nips Naturalistic Foliate Design - Francis Higgins 1859

FREE SHIPPING

Artisan Antiques offers a Global Free Shipping Service with discreet packaging and delivery. We will always ensure you receive the item and see the delivery through to the end.

All parcels are insured - all shipping liabilities other than import/customs duty, are covered by Artisan Antiques.

fig 5. A pair of Victorian sterling silver scissor-action sugar nips crafted in a detailed branch and leaf design against a black background.
fig 5. Antique Solid Silver Sugar Tongs/nips Naturalistic Foliate Design - Francis Higgins 1859

Colours of the product may slightly differ from the photos due to different computer screens & lighting conditions*

Price negotiations may be possible under certain criteria, please contact us via telephone (07578761640) or email (info@artisanantiques.net) -

Height
10cm (3.94")
Width
5cm (1.97")
Date of Manufacture

Artisan Antiques has dated these Victorian Silver Sugar Nips to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA861565
Artisan Antiques
Artisan Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Dec 2020

Artisan antiques based in london, brings to you a global selection of fine antique silverware.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Artisan Antiques Profile Page

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A pair of Victorian sterling silver scissor-action sugar nips crafted in a detailed branch and leaf design against a black background.
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Archive I A pair of Victorian sterling silver scissor-action sugar nips crafted in a detailed branch and leaf design against a black background.

Antique Solid Silver Sugar Tongs/nips Naturalistic Foliate Design - Francis Higgins 1859

Archive II A pair of Victorian sterling silver scissor-action sugar nips crafted in a detailed branch and leaf design against a black background. View II
Archive III A pair of Victorian sterling silver scissor-action sugar nips crafted in a detailed branch and leaf design against a black background. View III
Archive IV Scale Reference for A pair of Victorian sterling silver scissor-action sugar nips crafted in a detailed branch and leaf design against a black background.
Archive V A pair of Victorian sterling silver scissor-action sugar nips crafted in a detailed branch and leaf design against a black background. View V
Archive VI A pair of Victorian sterling silver scissor-action sugar nips crafted in a detailed branch and leaf design against a black background. View VI
Archive VII A pair of Victorian sterling silver scissor-action sugar nips crafted in a detailed branch and leaf design against a black background. View VII
Archive VIII A pair of Victorian sterling silver scissor-action sugar nips crafted in a detailed branch and leaf design against a black background. View VIII
Archive IX A pair of Victorian sterling silver scissor-action sugar nips crafted in a detailed branch and leaf design against a black background. View IX
Archive X A pair of Victorian sterling silver scissor-action sugar nips crafted in a detailed branch and leaf design against a black background. View X
Archive XI A pair of Victorian sterling silver scissor-action sugar nips crafted in a detailed branch and leaf design against a black background. View XI
Archive XII A pair of Victorian sterling silver scissor-action sugar nips crafted in a detailed branch and leaf design against a black background. View XII
Archive XIII A pair of Victorian sterling silver scissor-action sugar nips crafted in a detailed branch and leaf design against a black background. View XIII
Archive XIV A pair of Victorian sterling silver scissor-action sugar nips crafted in a detailed branch and leaf design against a black background. View XIV
Archive XV A pair of Victorian sterling silver scissor-action sugar nips crafted in a detailed branch and leaf design against a black background. View XV
Archive XVI A pair of Victorian sterling silver scissor-action sugar nips crafted in a detailed branch and leaf design against a black background. View XVI
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Location: London, United Kingdom
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A pair of Victorian sterling silver scissor-action sugar nips crafted in a detailed branch and leaf design against a black background.
Antique Solid Silver Sugar Tongs/Nips Naturalistic Foliate Design - Francis Higgins 1859
Ref: SA861565
A pair of Victorian sterling silver scissor-action sugar nips crafted in a detailed branch and leaf design against a black background.
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Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Sugar nips are scissor-action implements developed during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries specifically for handling and serving lumps of loaf sugar during tea service.

Victorian sugar nips were typically cast from sterling silver using moulds to create naturalistic motifs, followed by hand finishing, chasing, and official hallmarking.

Authentic British pieces bear complete hallmark sets, including the lion passant for sterling silver, a town mark, a date letter, a monarch duty mark, and a registered makers mark.

These silver items can be displayed flat on a dining sideboard top, arranged inside a glass collectors cabinet, or incorporated into a curated bar cart setup.

Clean silver gently using a soft cloth with dedicated silver polish, avoid abrasive chemical cleaners, and store the item in anti-tarnish fabric sleeves away from humidity.
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