Silver scissor form “sugar nips” date from c1720, slowly changing c1770 to the U-shaped form usually called “bows” or “tongs”.  “Pivot-sprung tongs” were used for a few years c1760.  In the William IV period,

the scissor was revived in a cast floral and foliate form. 

A few tongs were also made in the Victorian and Edwardian period –

a favorite being the novelty “harlequin” form. 

Although all forms can be called tongs, usually only the scissor forms are called “nips”.

Early 18^th century sugar came in large chunks, being divided in the kitchen into smaller chips –

that division being done by something that looked a bit like steel coal tongs. 

The sugar bits were then put into open bowls for delivery by the sugar nips (or tongs) into tea –

which in the early part of the 18^th century cost about a year’s salary for the average man.

Eighteenth Century Sugar Tea Tongs, An Illustrated Guide for the Collector, Dr. David Shlosberg of the UK, (2004),

is the only book ever written on early to mid-18 century sugar nips. 

Dr. Shlosberg researched over 1000 pairs of nips, finding no two pairs of nips to be alike. 

For more information about early nips and tongs, see :

https://www.silverteatongs.com/401.html

Please Inquire  

GEORGE I SILVER SUGAR NIPS

John Gray, London, c1722-28

(Bottom Left)

A very early example, the simple scissor form with oval finger rings over turned baluster arms and shafts, the interlocking hinge engraved A H; pinched spade grips

Marks : IG in engrailed punch an lion passant in rounded rectangular punch (1722-28)

Condition L Excellent with slight looseness to hinge; no repairs or breaks

4.5” Long / .8 oz.

SOLD

#6400

 EARLY GEORGE III SILVER PIVOT-SPRUNG SUGAR TONGS

I^.H within a shaped punch below a device, c1760-65

GEORGE III SILVER SUGAR TONGS

Peter and Ann Bateman, London, 1796

(Middle)

Of usual u-end form with ovoid bowls, reeded arms and unengraved hilt

Marks : PBPA, lion passant, date letter and profile inside the hilt

Condition : Excellent; good tight spring; clear marks

5.5” Long / 1 oz.

125.00

#6414

GEORGE III ENGRAVED SILVER SUGAR TONGS

Peter, Ann and William Bateman, London 1805-6

(Top)

Of usual u-shaped form with shaped arms ending in flowerbud form grips, bright cut with floral and foliate decoration, the grips depicting an open flowerbud, the hilt with contemporary engraved conjoined initials PNB

Marks : PWABWB inside one arm; lion passant, profile and date letter inside the second arm

Condition : Excellent with good strong spring and crisp marks

5.5” Long / 1.2 oz

SOLD

#6399

Rare Pair George I Silver Serving Tongs, c1720-30

Good Pair George IV / William IV Silver Serving Tongs

Pair George II / III Cast & Pierced Sugar Tongs