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Sugar Tongs

Maker Samuel Kirk & Son ((active 1846-1979))

Date1868 - 1896

Mediumsilver

Dimensions4 × 1 1/4 inches (10.2 × 3.2 cm)

MarkingsMaker's mark stamped on the arm interior: S. KIRK & SON 1015.

Credit LineBequest of Margaret Gray Thomas.

Object numberOT1951.171

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 TextThese silver sugar tongs are decorated with repousse on the arms and terminate in talon grippers. They are inscribed with the initials "JGT" for James Gray Thomas, MD (1834-1884). Dr. Thomas married Margaret Wallace Owens (1829-1915) in 1865, and they lived in the Owens-Thomas House throughout the remainder of their lives. Sugar tongs were first introduced during the second quarter of the eighteenth century when sugar became enormously popular. By the end of the century and into the next, tongs were cut from sheet silver and usually decorated with bright-cut engraving or patterns which echoed flatware for the dining table. The tapering arms often ended in round, oval, shell, acorn, or eagle talon tips. Samuel Kirk & Son dates its beginning to 1815 when Philadelphia-trained silversmith Samuel Kirk finished his apprenticeship and moved to Baltimore to set up his shop. The concern continued under various incarnations until the end of the 20th century. These sugar tongs are marked S. KIRK & SON 1015, a mark used by the firm from 1846 to 1896.

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