Samuel Edgcumbe Sterling Silver Sugar Tongs
Flatware - Serving Piece / Sugar Tongs · Samuel Edgcumbe of Plymouth, a notable English provincial silversmith and retailer active during the 19th century.
Pattern: Traditional utilitarian provincial flatware pattern, standard fiddle or plain form typical of regional British makers.
Type
Flatware - Serving Piece / Sugar Tongs
Maker
Samuel Edgcumbe of Plymouth, a notable English provincial silversmith and retailer active during the 19th century.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness), standard British sterling composition.
Dimensions
Standard pocket or tea table sugar tongs length approximately 12-15 cm (4.5-6 inches), estimated weight around 20-35 grams.
Description
A charming pair of provincial sterling silver sugar tongs crafted by Samuel Edgcumbe of Plymouth. The tongs exhibit the practical elegance characteristic of 19th-century British provincial silver, featuring a clean tension-bow design and clear maker stamping. They served as an essential accessory for the formal Victorian tea table.
Key Features
Distinctive provincial maker's mark reading 'SAMUEL EDGCUMBE PLYMOUTH', authentic regional British silver origin.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness), standard British sterling composition.
Finish & Decoration
Bright polish finish with minimal embellishment, showcasing the smooth luster of traditional sterling silver.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Maker's mark showing 'SAMUEL EDGCUMBE' over 'PLYMOUTH' within a punch, accompanied by a separate letter punch 'D'.
Construction Details
Hand-formed and bent from a single piece of silver or joined via a traditional tension bow with shaped claw or spoon terminals.
Functional Features
Spring-action tension bow designed specifically for picking up sugar lumps or loose sugar during tea service.
Handle & Grip Details
Integrated solid silver arms forming a flexible bow, terminating in plain or scalloped gripping ends.
Craftsmanship Details
Good provincial hand-wrought quality with clean lines, effective spring tension forged into the metal, and clearly struck maker's marks.
Authentication Indicators
Clear punch-stamped maker identification unique to Samuel Edgcumbe of Plymouth, showing authentic 19th-century provincial typography.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Plymouth, Devon, England, reflecting provincial British silversmithing and retail traditions outside major assay towns.
Era & Period
Victorian Era (1837-1901), based on the operating period of the provincial maker Samuel Edgcumbe.
Age Estimate
Mid to late 19th century, circa 1850-1880.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the rising popularity of tea drinking and the formalization of afternoon tea rituals in 19th-century British domestic life.
Condition Notes
Very Good antique condition with minor surface scratches and expected wear commensurate with age and use. The tension remains strong.
Value Estimate
Moderate antique market value ranging from $50 to $150 USD, depending on exact weight, condition, and collector demand for West Country provincial silver.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Use a high-quality silver polish sparingly to avoid wearing down the stamped maker's mark.
Similar Pieces
Provincial sugar tongs by regional makers such as those from Exeter, Bristol, or other West Country silversmiths.
Interesting Facts
Provincial English silver from makers outside official assay office towns like London or Birmingham offers collectors a unique window into regional trade and craftsmanship of the Victorian era.
Notes
Sugar tongs