Sprung-arm Sugar Tongs, 1788

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bright cut sprung arm silver sugar tongs london by john bourne dscn2591 1 1 dscn2594 1 1 dscn2592 1 1

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Sugar Tongs - Sprung-arms with Bright-cut Engraving - London c.1788 by John Bourne - 14cm long; 43g - VV/3154</p>

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These are a wonderful pair of silver sugar tongs that benefit from being in stunning condition.

 

Very few sprung-arm sugar tongs have survived intact due to the fragility of both their arms and the spring which is hidden within the central pivot. These tongs are pristine with super-crisp bright-cut engraving, plus there is an original script engraved monogram to the pivot and a discreet set of later initials within a cartouche to one arm.

 

A further bonus with these tongs are the clear set of appropriate hallmarks inside both arms including the "IB" initials of the specialist maker of this form of tongs - probably John Bourne rather than the oft quoted John Buckett. The intaglio duty mark helps date the tongs to the 1786 to 1790 period.