Daniel & Arter 'Albany' Pattern Silver Plate Ice Tongs
Flatware (Serving Piece - Ice Tongs) · Daniel & Arter (Birmingham, England). Founded by Thomas Henry Daniel and Thomas Richard Arter in the late 19th century, they were a prolific manufacturer of high-quality silver plate and 'Nevada Silver' (a nickel alloy).
Pattern: Albany (also known as Queen Anne). Introduced in the late 19th century (c. 1885), the pattern is characterized by its fluted terminal and scalloped shoulders. It remains a staple of English flatware design.
Type
Flatware (Serving Piece - Ice Tongs)
Maker
Daniel & Arter (Birmingham, England). Founded by Thomas Henry Daniel and Thomas Richard Arter in the late 19th century, they were a prolific manufacturer of high-quality silver plate and 'Nevada Silver' (a nickel alloy).
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base metal is a nickel-copper-zinc alloy (nickel silver) which has been electrochemically coated with a thin layer of pure silver.
Dimensions
Estimated length of 6-7 inches (15-18 cm). Weight is approximately 45-60 grams. Typical for standard domestic ice or sugar tongs of this era.
Description
These elegant ice tongs by Daniel & Arter represent the height of Victorian functional dining accessories. Featuring the timeless Albany pattern—a tribute to 18th-century fluted motifs—these tongs were essential for the formal service of ice or sugar. The pseudo-hallmarks reflect the maker's pride in their 'Nevada Silver' and silver-plating techniques, which allowed the middle class to emulate the luxury of solid sterling silver.
Key Features
Distinctive D&A maker's mark; 'Albany' fluted terminal; Pseudo-hallmarks including the 'Globe' symbol; Sturdy spring-tempered shank.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base metal is a nickel-copper-zinc alloy (nickel silver) which has been electrochemically coated with a thin layer of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with classic Albany-style fluting at the terminal. The shoulders feature a scroll/shell transition into the shank. Design era: Late Victorian/Edwardian Neoclassical revival.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The marks 'D & A' represent the makers Daniel & Arter. The accompanying symbols (crown, globe/circle, and Gothic letters) are 'pseudo-hallmarks' intended to mimic official British silver assay marks, a common marketing practice for high-end plated wares in Birmingham.
Construction Details
Die-struck from a single sheet of nickel silver and then formed into a U-shape at the bridge to provide spring tension. The decorative elements are pressed into the metal using high-pressure dies.
Functional Features
Spring-action bridge for gripping ice cubes. The tines (partially visible in the crop) likely feature claw or spoon ends to facilitate grip.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid one-piece construction. The 'handle' is the main shank of the tongs, featuring ergonomic tapering and decorative fluting for better grip and aesthetic appeal.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-manufactured through die-striking, but featuring high-quality hand-finishing and plating. The crispness of the 'D&A' stamps indicates a well-maintained die was used during production.
Authentication Indicators
The 'D&A' mark is a well-documented maker for Birmingham plate. The absence of a Lion Passant indicates this is plated and not sterling. The wear pattern is consistent with electroplated nickel silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England. Produced at the Globe Neville Works, which was one of the largest factories for plated goods in the West Midlands during the Victorian era.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to Edwardian (c. 1890-1910). The Albany pattern is a quintessential example of the late 19th-century preference for Neoclassical and Queen Anne styles.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900. The specific iteration of the Daniel & Arter mark and the sustained popularity of the Albany pattern suggest a manufacturing date at the turn of the century.
Cultural Significance
Ice tongs became a social necessity in the late 19th century as the commercial harvesting and distribution of ice made chilled drinks a standard of middle-class hospitality.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The plating appears largely intact with minor surface micro-scratching ('buffing marks') consistent with regular use and cleaning. No evidence of 'bleeding' (base metal showing through).
Value Estimate
$20 - $45 USD. Value is driven by the utility and the popularity of the Albany pattern rather than metal weight, as it is silver plated.
Care & Maintenance
Wash with warm, soapy water and dry immediately. Polishing should be kept to a minimum using a soft cloth and mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's) to avoid wearing through the silver layer.
Similar Pieces
Walker & Hall Albany Tongs (different maker's mark); Gorham 'Old French' Tongs (similar fluting but American style); Elkington & Co. Silver Plate Tongs.
Interesting Facts
Daniel & Arter were famous for their proprietary 'Nevada Silver,' an alloy they claimed looked and wore better than traditional silver. They were major rivals to Elkington & Co. in the Birmingham plating industry.
Notes
Ice tongs