British Sterling Silver Sugar Tongs by Levi & Salaman
Flatware - Serving Piece / Sugar Tongs · Levi & Salaman (L&S), a well-known silversmithing firm based in Birmingham, England, active from the late 19th through the early 20th century, highly regarded for small silver goods and novelties.
Pattern: Standard Victorian / Edwardian utility pattern without a specific named decorative line
Type
Flatware - Serving Piece / Sugar Tongs
Maker
Levi & Salaman (L&S), a well-known silversmithing firm based in Birmingham, England, active from the late 19th through the early 20th century, highly regarded for small silver goods and novelties.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness)
Dimensions
Standard small sugar tong size, approximately 4 inches to 5 inches in length, weighing roughly 15 to 25 grams
Description
A classic pair of British sterling silver sugar tongs crafted by the notable Birmingham silversmiths Levi & Salaman. Featuring the traditional sprung-arch design used extensively in afternoon tea rituals, these tongs bear clear hallmarks including the Birmingham anchor and the lion passant, attesting to their solid .925 sterling silver composition.
Key Features
Clear Levi & Salaman maker's mark (L&S), Birmingham anchor assay mark, and the standard lion passant purity mark
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness)
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish, simple plain or slightly tapered form typical of utilitarian serving pieces
Hallmarks & Stamps
Maker's mark 'L&S' for Levi & Salaman, Birmingham assay office anchor mark, lion passant for sterling silver, and a date letter stamp
Construction Details
Spring-action stamped metal form, folded or joined at the arched bridge to provide natural tension for gripping sugar lumps
Functional Features
Sprung arms designed specifically for picking up sugar cubes or loose sugar lumps during tea service
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver integrated handles forming a pinched spring bow, with simple plain or claw-like gripping terminals
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-assisted stamping combined with hand-finishing and traditional spring tempering to ensure lasting elasticity in the bridge
Authentication Indicators
Authentic British hallmarks stamped into the metal, showing correct punch shapes for maker, standard, and assay office
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England, produced utilizing British assay office standards and traditional manufacturing techniques
Era & Period
Late Victorian / Edwardian Era (c. 1890-1910)
Age Estimate
Circa 1890-1910, determined by the maker's mark style and Birmingham hallmark typography
Cultural Significance
Essential accessory of the Victorian and Edwardian formal afternoon tea ritual, reflecting the strict etiquette and social customs of the era regarding sugar handling
Condition Notes
Good antique condition with minor surface scratches and expected wear from age and gentle use, light tarnish easily removable by polishing
Value Estimate
35 to 80 USD depending on exact weight, precise hallmark date, and overall condition
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a high-quality silver polish or a soft polishing cloth like a Cape Cod cloth; store in an anti-tarnish bag or Pacific Silvercloth pouch
Similar Pieces
Similar sugar tongs produced by contemporary Birmingham and Sheffield makers such as Mappin & Webb or H. Williamson Ltd.
Interesting Facts
Levi & Salaman specialized in smaller silver articles such as napkin rings, chatelaines, cigarette cases, and tea accessories, becoming prolific exporters across the British Empire
Notes
Sugar tongs