Arts & Crafts Style Hammered Silver Plated Sugar Tongs with LW Maker Mark
Flatware (Serving Piece - Sugar Tongs) · Attributed to an unidentified European or Scandinavian maker using the 'LW' maker's mark and silver-plate standard '90' rating.
Pattern: Custom or small-batch Arts & Crafts hammered pattern, typical of early 20th-century European silver-plated hollowware and flatware production.
Type
Flatware (Serving Piece - Sugar Tongs)
Maker
Attributed to an unidentified European or Scandinavian maker using the 'LW' maker's mark and silver-plate standard '90' rating.
Material
Silver Plated over a base metal (likely nickel silver or Britannia metal), indicated by the '90' stamp representing European silver-plate thickness standards.
Dimensions
Standard sugar tong size, approximately 10 to 12 cm in length, lightweight hollow or spring-formed construction typical of utility flatware.
Description
A charming pair of sugar tongs featuring a distinctive hand-hammered surface reminiscent of the Arts & Crafts movement. The piece is stamped with the maker's mark 'LW' and a '90' quality mark, indicating European silver plate. The terminals are formed as small, shallow bowls designed to handle sugar cubes gracefully.
Key Features
Distinctive hand-hammered texturing, 'LW' maker's mark, and '90' European silver plate numerical indicator.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated over a base metal (likely nickel silver or Britannia metal), indicated by the '90' stamp representing European silver-plate thickness standards.
Finish & Decoration
Hand-hammered finish featuring visible facets characteristic of the Arts & Crafts movement, giving it a rustic, hand-wrought appearance.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamps include the maker's initials 'LW' enclosed in a shaped cartouche, followed by the number '90' in a rectangular punch, denoting standard European silver plating depth.
Construction Details
Spring-formed single or dual-strip construction with hand-hammered texturing applied prior to final shaping, featuring spoon-bowl grips at the terminals.
Functional Features
Spring-action bow designed to compress for picking up sugar cubes, with wide, shallow spoon-shaped terminals for secure grip.
Handle & Grip Details
Continuous spring-bow handle with hammered texturing across the outer surface for tactile grip and rustic aesthetic appeal.
Craftsmanship Details
Combines machine-rolled base metal strips with hand-applied hammering to simulate artisan craftsmanship, showcasing clean shaping and functional spring tension.
Authentication Indicators
Clear punch marks ('LW' and '90') characteristic of early 20th-century European manufacturing standards. Hammer marks appear naturally irregular, aligning with period production techniques.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely European origin (such as Germany, Scandinavia, or Austria, where the '90' plating standard was widely utilized).
Era & Period
Arts & Crafts Movement / Art Nouveau transition period (circa 1900-1930), heavily influenced by the handcrafted ideal.
Age Estimate
Circa 1910-1930, based on the font style of the marks, the '90' silver-plate indicator, and the Arts & Crafts aesthetic.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the early 20th-century democratization of good design, where the handmade aesthetic of the Arts & Crafts movement was adapted for middle-class dining rituals.
Condition Notes
Very good antique condition with minor surface wear, light tarnish, and small scratches consistent with age and gentle use. The silver plating remains largely intact.
Value Estimate
Modest collector value, typically ranging from $25 to $75 USD depending on venue, exact maker identification, and overall condition.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a soft cloth and mild silver polish. Avoid harsh abrasive dips to preserve the remaining silver plate and antiqued hammered highlights.
Similar Pieces
European silver-plated sugar tongs from makers such as WMF or Krupp featuring similar numeric plate designations and hammered finishes.
Interesting Facts
The '90' mark is a common Continental European metric indicating the amount of pure silver used to plate a standard dozen items, assuring buyers of a specific commercial thickness grade.
Notes
Sugar tongs