A Pair of 18th Century Silver Sugar Tongs/ Nips

A superb pair of 18th Century silver sugar tongs or sugar nips, as sometimes known. These appealing examples are cast and shaped with a 'scissor' mechanism. The handles are looped, there is an engraved capital 'D' to the centre and the bowls are delightful cast shells. 18th Century tongs are a wonderful find, both practical and collectable. Date :- c1750. Origin :- English. Hallmarks :- Sterling Lion and maker's mark only to each handle. (part marking is not at all unusual for this period, especially on smaller items).