Silver sugar tongs with plain arms and shoulders with tips shaped as acorns.

Images(3)

Maker's mark stamped on the interior of the arm.

Sugar Tongs

Maker William Sime (American)

Datec. 1768 -1778

Mediumsilver

Dimensions6 1/2 inches (16.5 cm)

MarkingsMaker's mark stamped on the arm interior: W. Sime [script, in rectangle]

Credit LineGift of Mr. E. Descombe Wells.

Object numberOT1961.29

On View

On view

CopyrightThe images and text contained on this page are owned by Telfair Museums or used by the Museum with permission from the owners. Unauthorized reproduction, transmission or display of these materials is prohibited with the exception of items deemed “fair use” as defined by U.S. and international copyright laws.Label TextWilliam Sime (active c. 1768–c. 1778) arrives in Savannah from London around 1768, announcing a partnership with fellow goldsmith and jeweler Jacob Moses (unknown–1785) in the firm Sime & Moses. The partnership likely dissolved within a year, as Sime is seen advertising his business independently the following year. At some point, he joined silversmith William Wright (active in Savannah c. 1755 – c. 1774) in the firm William & Sime, but it dissolved in 1774. Historically used to place lumps of sugar into a teacup, sugar tongs became an important element of the traditional tea service during the 18th and 19th century. This sugar tong has a relatively simple form, with minimal ornament. The shell-shaped grips at the end of the arms were likely cast in a mold.

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