Sugar Tongs

Date1822

Mediumsilver

Dimensions6 3/8 inches (16.2 cm)

MarkingsHallmarks stamped on the arm interior: [unidentified mark]; king's head; lion passant; D

Credit LineGift of James A. Williams.

Object number1968.18.71

On View

Not 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 TextThese sugar tongs are in a fiddle thread pattern and have shell grippers. They are inscribed with an 'AL' on the shoulder. Sugar tongs were first introduced during the second quarter of the eighteenth century when sugar became enormously popular in Europe, as colonization in the Caribbean and the forced labor of indigenous people and enslaved Africans to cultivate sugar on the islands reduced its cost for these consumers. Frederick Marquand (1799-1882) learned the silversmith craft from his father Isaac Marquand (1766-1838) in Connecticut. He went into partnership with his cousin Josiah Penfield in Savannah in 1820, forming the firm of J. Penfield & Co. He remained in Savannah until 1826, then moved to New York where he practiced as a jeweler until 1830. He worked in partnership with his brothers as Marquand & Brothers, then as Marquand & Co. until 1839.

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