Sugar Tongs
Date1784 - 1785
Mediumsterling silver
Dimensions5 1/2 inches (14 cm)
MarkingsMaker's mark on the arm interior: SG [in rectangle]
Credit LineGift of Frank A. Rizza, M.D. and family.
Object number2012.15.111
On View
Not on viewTerms
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 sterling silver sugar tongs have bright cut floral decoration and acorn tips.
Sugar tongs were first introduced during the second quarter of the eighteenth century when sugar became enormously popular. By the end of that century and into the next, tongs were cut from sheet silver and usually decorated with bright-cut engraving or patterns such as this one which echoed flatware for the dining table. The tapering arms often ended in round, oval, shell, eagle claw, or acorn tips.
London silversmith Samuel Godbehere entered his first mark as a plateworker in 1784.
He worked in various partnerships with Edward Wigan 1786-1792 as 'Godbehere, Wigan and Co', with Wigan and James Bult as 'S Godbehere & Co' 1800-1818, with Bult 1818-1819.