DESCRIPTION |
Georgian silver sugar nips, the ornate shafts with dummy cutters and terminating in arrowhead trilobe grips. Original engravings to the hinge box 'P' and date (17)59 above a merchant's mark. These marks were used from at least the 13th century in England by traders and individuals as identity marks at a time when literacy was restricted. By 1758 their use had declined significantly and yet the first owner had still considered it worthwhile to have their mark engraved, albeit discreetly and simply by scratch engraving, probably to prove ownership in an environment that was still mostly illiterate. |
SILVERSMITH |
John Hague I, unusual maker of tongs and Shlosberg does not note seeing any other examples. |
DATE or HALLMARK |
1758, no date letter as is usual but the 59 is original and John Hague registered this version of his punch July 14th 1758 in London. |
ASSAY OFFICE |
London |
WEIGHT in GRAMS |
43 |
SIZE in INCHES |
length: 5 |
SILVER STANDARD |
.925 sterling silver |
OVERALL CONDITION |
astonishingly original, not polished, casting still crisp in the more protected areas, pleasing patination and surface marks from use including a scratch across the box hinge partially through the engraved date. |
FAULTS |
tolerable hinge play that is simple to tighten, functional solder repair to one arm lower 'C' scroll and hinge box, finger rings bumped/compressed causing partial fracture in one near the joint to the arm. |
| Back | Price £125 | sold | Item Number: M4442 |