Burnell and Rowe

Description

This is an interesting pair of Edwardian Sterling Silver Bartender's Tongs. These tongs were patented in 1907 and were operated by squeezing the tabs at the top which opened the claws whilst keeping the bartender's fingers well away from what was being picked up. They were produced in 3 sizes, the largest for ice cubes and the medium and small for items such as lemon slices or other additions to drinks. This pair is the medium size. They work equally well as an unusual pair of sugar tongs!

The bartender's tongs were patented by The Vilcar Company in 1907 and manufactured under licence by H Brs in Birmingham. This set was made in 1910. The H Brs mark isn't definitively identified but may have been a mark used by Hardy Brothers when producing items under licence.

Condition is very good, with no dings or dents, in full working order and with just the minimal superficial surface wear that has to be expected after over 110 years of use. Please make sure to view all the photographs.

The tongs are 12.1cm / 4.7ins long and 2.4cm / 0.94ins wide at the top. They weigh in at a respectable 26.7g / 0.94oz of solid Sterling Silver.

The hallmarks, on the inside of one arm, are well struck and clear to read. They show the lion passant for Sterling Silver, the anchor assay mark for Birmingham, the date letter l for 1910 and the H.Brs makers' mark. They are also stamped VILCAR and REGD and have the patent no 28097-07.

Shipping in the UK is £6 by Royal Mail Tracked 24.
Overseas customers, please ask us about shipping costs to your country before making a purchase.