Penrose Antiques

Description

For sale we have quite an unusual piece, a charming English silver George II/III scissor action pair of sugar tongs.

The sugar tongs consist of scrolled handles a central cartouche on the hinge engraved with the initials 'RA' and arms ending in lovely shell shaped terminals. The handles both carry the English silver mark and the maker `HP` for Henry Plumpton circa 1761-ish (see "Eighteenth Century Silver Silver Tea Tongs" by Dr. David Shlosberg). Henry Plumpton was a mid 18th Century London silversmith who was known for his manufacture of rather ornate scissor action sugar tongs. These are becoming increasing scarce as examples disappear into private collections.

These tongs are approximately 5 inches (12.7cm) long and weigh approximately 34.7g. They are in an excellent antique condition and carry their 240 to 250 years very well.