How were sugar tongs used?

Users picked up individual sugar lumps to drop into tea cups, keeping fingers clean during formal tea service. Scissors-style nips were held between the thumb and fingers, while sprung arms required a simple squeeze to grip the lump.

What is the difference between tongs and nips?

Nips typically feature a scissor action with finger rings or looped handles dating from the earlier Georgian period. Tongs are usually sprung from a single folded metal joint at the top, becoming more common in the Victorian era.

How do I date sterling silver sugar tongs?

Full hallmarks stamped on the silver provide the exact year mark, maker's mark, and assay office location. Stylistic clues such as bright-cut engraving point to the Georgian period, while naturalistic foliage often indicates Victorian manufacture.

Why do some tongs have family crests?

Wealthy households commissioned silversmiths to engrave family crests or monograms onto tableware to denote ownership. These personalisations link the silver directly to specific historical families and estates.

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Sterling silver sugar tongs gather small lumps of sugar for the tea table, ranging from delicate Georgian scissor-arms to playful Edwardian novelties.

Cased Silver Sugar Tongs and Spoon, Exeter.

19th century

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Cased Silver Sugar Tongs and Spoon, Exeter.

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Sterling Silver Sugar Tongs

Cased Silver Sugar Tongs and Spoon, Exeter.

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