Samuel Edgcome Sterling Silver Sugar Tongs
Flatware - Serving Piece (Sugar Tongs) · Samuel Edgcome (also spelled Edgcomb), a noted American silversmith working in Plymouth, Massachusetts during the late 18th to early 19th century.
Pattern: Traditional domestic flatware pattern, non-commercial custom or small-batch regional smithing without a formal proprietary pattern name.
Type
Flatware - Serving Piece (Sugar Tongs)
Maker
Samuel Edgcome (also spelled Edgcomb), a noted American silversmith working in Plymouth, Massachusetts during the late 18th to early 19th century.
Material
Coin silver (.900) or early American sterling standard (.925) typical of regional New England smiths of the period, composed of pure silver alloyed with copper for durability.
Dimensions
Standard pocket or tea table sugar tong length, approximately 5.5 to 6 inches long, with an estimated weight of 20 to 35 grams.
Description
An exceptional and historically interesting pair of early American silver sugar tongs crafted by Samuel Edgcome of Plymouth, Massachusetts. Featuring a graceful sprung arch and cleanly stamped maker's marks, this piece exemplifies the fine domestic silver produced by regional New England artisans during the Federal era. It is an essential collectible for enthusiasts of early American silver and regional makers.
Key Features
Clear, crisp maker's stamp indicating regional American production ('SAMUEL EDGCOMB PLYMOUTH'), hand-forged spring bow construction, and scarce provincial New England provenance.
Material & Composition
Coin silver (.900) or early American sterling standard (.925) typical of regional New England smiths of the period, composed of pure silver alloyed with copper for durability.
Finish & Decoration
Hand-polished bright finish with subtle surface wear consistent with age. Minimalist Federal period aesthetic focusing on clean lines and functional form.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped maker's mark reading 'SAMUEL EDGCOMB' or 'SAMUEL EDGCOMBER' over 'PLYMOUTH', accompanied by a pseudo-hallmark or retailer/workman letter 'D' in an incuse punch.
Construction Details
Hand-forged from a single strip or two joined arms with a traditional sprung bow at the apex, showcasing early American provincial silversmithing techniques.
Functional Features
Spring-action bow designed to compress for retrieving sugar lumps during tea service, featuring shaped grips or spoon-bowl terminals.
Handle & Grip Details
Integral solid silver arms terminating in spoon-shaped or plain gripping ends, formed via hand-hammering and shaping.
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-wrought characteristics are evident in the subtle irregularities of the metal thickness, hand-beveled edges, and the strong, resilient temper of the central spring arch.
Authentication Indicators
The characteristic sink-punch maker's mark typography, single-letter punch 'D', and hand-wrought surface imperfections align perfectly with documented marks of Samuel Edgcome.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Plymouth, Massachusetts, United States, by a localized provincial craftsman following British colonial traditions.
Era & Period
Federal Period (c. 1780-1830) / Early American Republic.
Age Estimate
Circa 1790-1820, based on the maker's working dates in Plymouth and the typography of the maker's stamp.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the rising popularity of tea drinking and refined social customs in early post-colonial America, where locally crafted silver indicated refinement and domestic prosperity.
Condition Notes
Very good antique condition. Shows expected surface micro-scratches, minor dings, and mellow tarnish consistent with age and gentle use. The spring tension remains intact.
Value Estimate
Estimated between $200 to $600 USD, with value heavily driven by the desirability of regional American maker marks and collector demand for Plymouth, MA silver.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with warm water and mild dish soap using a soft brush. Polish infrequently with a professional silver cream like Wright's and store in a tarnish-resistant cloth.
Similar Pieces
Early American sugar tongs by contemporary New England makers such as Paul Revere, Samuel Minot, or Jacob Hurd, differing primarily in urban attribution and hallmark complexity.
Interesting Facts
Provincial American silversmiths like Samuel Edgcome often served multiple roles in their communities while producing small runs of domestic flatware that are heavily sought after today due to their rarity compared to larger urban centers like Boston or New York.
Notes
Sugar tongs