Mappin & Webb Silver Plated Reeded Pattern Sugar Tongs
Flatware (Serving Piece / Sugar Tongs) · Mappin & Webb, a prestigious and historic British silversmithing firm founded in the 17th century by Jonathan Mappin in Sheffield, later expanding to London. Known for exceptional quality, luxury tableware, and holding multiple Royal Warrants.
Pattern: Reeded Pattern, a classic and understated classical design featuring parallel linear bands running along the handle length, popular across various eras of British silver manufacturing.
Type
Flatware (Serving Piece / Sugar Tongs)
Maker
Mappin & Webb, a prestigious and historic British silversmithing firm founded in the 17th century by Jonathan Mappin in Sheffield, later expanding to London. Known for exceptional quality, luxury tableware, and holding multiple Royal Warrants.
Material
Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver), consisting of a durable base metal alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc coated with a layer of pure silver.
Dimensions
Standard afternoon tea sugar tong size, approximately 10 to 12 cm in length, lightweight with a balanced spring tension designed for handling sugar lumps.
Description
An elegant and functional pair of silver-plated sugar tongs by the renowned firm Mappin & Webb. Featuring a classic reeded design along the handle shanks, these tongs showcase the superior plating quality and refined aesthetic typical of late Victorian British silver manufacturers. Perfect for a traditional afternoon tea setting, they combine practical spring tension with timeless decorative elegance.
Key Features
Clear Mappin & Webb maker's cartouche, 'IA' first quality electroplate mark, classic reeded handle detailing, and robust spring tension at the arched fulcrum.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver), consisting of a durable base metal alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc coated with a layer of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Bright mirror finish on the inner arms and polished highlights, complemented by linear reeding along the outer handle shank to catch the light and provide a tactile grip.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamps include the maker's name 'MAPPIN & WEBB', the quality mark 'IA' (denoting First Quality electroplate), a star symbol, and a shield-enclosed letter mark indicating the manufacturing code or date context.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped and cold-formed from sheet metal, joined at the arched apex with a spring tension bend, utilizing traditional electroplating techniques standard for high-end British silver plate of the period.
Functional Features
Spring-action bow mechanism providing optimal resistance for gripping sugar cubes, featuring plain or pinched claw/spoon terminals for secure handling during tea service.
Handle & Grip Details
Integral handle formed from the same piece of metal as the arms, decorated with linear reeding on the outer surface and smooth, plain interior surfaces for clean contact with sugar.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality commercial execution featuring clean stamping, precise parallel reeding lines, uniform thickness, and a resilient spring temper in the central bow to ensure long-term durability.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic maker's cartouche style with distinct lettering for 'MAPPIN & WEBB', paired with the standard trade quality mark 'IA' and accompanying symbol stamps typical of late 19th-century British silverplate.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Sheffield or London, England, adhering to the strict trade standards and craftsmanship traditions of prominent British silversmiths.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to Edwardian Period (circa 1885-1910), reflecting the height of formal British afternoon tea culture and sophisticated dining rituals.
Age Estimate
Circa late 19th to early 20th century (c. 1890-1910), determined by the typography of the maker's mark and the use of the 'IA' quality stamp.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the Victorian and Edwardian obsession with the ritual of afternoon tea, where specialized silver implements were developed for every specific task, symbolizing social status and refined hospitality.
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition. Shows minor surface micro-scratches consistent with careful use and age-appropriate tarnish. The silver plating remains largely intact without significant base metal bleed-through.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $25 and $65 USD, depending on collector demand, exact condition, and completeness of a broader tea set collection.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth. Use a specialized silver polishing cream or cloth sparingly to avoid wearing through the electroplated layer. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth pouch.
Similar Pieces
Similar silver-plated sugar tongs by makers like Elkington & Co., Walker & Hall, or WMF, distinguished primarily by their unique maker's marks and slight variations in terminal shape and handle decoration.
Interesting Facts
Mappin & Webb has supplied royal households globally and famously crafted items for royalty, monarchs, and elite social events. The 'IA' mark historically stood for 'First Quality' in British electroplate grading.
Notes
Sugar tongs