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DESCRIPTION

Good and exceptionally scarce pair of Georgian cast silver sugar tongs with unusual engraving to the bow. Made in the usual way, three sections, bow and two arms hallmarked correctly close to the bow/arm joints. Casting this type of arm was always problematic with a high failure rate. Interesting to note that the wider horizontal bar to both lower arm sections has been added after casting. They must have been too difficult include in the initial casting and are not repairs.

SILVERSMITH

Hester Bateman. Cast tongs by Hester are exceptionally scarce.

DATE or HALLMARK

1774, no date letter as is usual with cast tongs of this period but Hester's mark is very clearly her 4.0mm punch from 1774.

ASSAY OFFICE

London

WEIGHT in GRAMS

31

SIZE in INCHES

length: 5 1/4

SILVER STANDARD

.925 sterling silver

OVERALL CONDITION

generally excellent.

FAULTS

see image 9, fracture to the narrow part of the casting top right, bubbles in repair lower left.
Back Price £200 sold Item Number: M4210 several