Images(4)

Sugar tongs

Dateca. 1774

Marked by Hester Bateman (1708 - 1794)

OriginEngland, London

Mediumsilver (sterling)

DimensionsOL: 5 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, Funded by Mrs. Elaine Wilde

Object number1988-259

DescriptionSugar tongs. Cast arms with convex faces of elaborate openwork interlaced foliated scrolls, reeded ovals, and leafage with intervening small rosettes; openwork grips comprised of foliated scrolls. Arms soldered to wrought bow with convex face and sides; sides of bow engraved with flowers.
Label TextHester Bateman registered her first sponsor’s mark in 1761, but little silver from her shop is known from earlier than the late 1770s. Many pieces also lack full hallmarks, perhaps because of their small size.
MarkingsStruck in relief inside of bow with 1) sponsor's mark of script initals "HB" in a rectangle; and 2) a lion passant