Antique George III English Silver Sugar Tongs

• London, circa 1780 by Thomas Ellerton
• Dimensions: 5 1/4 inches in length

Cast silver holds a great appeal due to its fine quality. Cast items are handmade, often in two halves, resulting in fine and delicate detail.

Cast Sugar Tongs are relatively rare and were complex to make. They were made in 3 pieces, the two arms were cast separately and then soldered onto the bow which connects the arms of the tongs and acts as a spring. The hallmarks and the maker’s mark are stamped at the joins (inside). Cast Sugar Tongs were only produced for a very short time, from about 1765 to 1780. After this period came the standard sugar tongs as we know them today. Originally, they were very plain or had a simple thread or beaded edge. Very soon after that, the fashion for bright cut engraving took over and dominated sugar tongs until the early 1800’s.

A pair of beautifully pierced and cast Antique George III English Silver Sugar Tongs. They are bow shaped, with attractive cast silver pierced arms, decorated with foliage and scrolls. The bow is shaped, and has a cartouche for owners initials, which has not been engraved.    W