Images(5)

Sugar Tongs

Dateca.1750-1770

Maker Philip Syng, Jr. (1703-1789)

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumSilver alloy

DimensionsOverall: 5 11/16"; Width across finger loops: 2"

Credit LineBequest of Joseph H. and June S. Hennage

Object number2020-302

DescriptionSugar or tea tongs of the scissor type with bow-shaped finger loops, openwork scrolled arms, a disk-shaped joint, and deeply concave shell grips. Both sides of the joint are engraved with a six-petaled flower.
Label TextThe sole purpose of this almost flawlessly designed device is to remove a broken lump of sugar from its designated vessel, transport it a few inches, and place it in one's cup of tea. While the earliest sugar tongs were miniature versions of the common fireplace tongs but in silver, this type incorporates a scissor-like hinge and may have been inspired by the scissor-type candle snuffer. These tongs were all the rage during the middle decades of the 18th century, and they were made by some of the most accomplished urban silversmiths in colonial America.
InscribedEngraved "M R," with two of the flower's petals between, on one side of the joint.
MarkingsStruck with "PS" in relief within a rectangle on the inside of each shell grip.
ProvenancePurchased from S.J. Shrubsole (New York), March 22, 1993