German Silver-Plated Sugar Tongs or Asparagus Tongs, Scissor-Form
Flatware (Serving Piece, Scissor-Action Tongs) · Unknown German Manufacturer. The markings are characteristic of German industrial silver-plating standards used by firms such as WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) or Wellner, though a specific maker's logo is not clearly visible in this strike.
Pattern: Undecorated Utilitarian / Plain Pattern. These pieces were often part of larger hotelware or catering sets intended for durability rather than ornate display.
Type
Flatware (Serving Piece, Scissor-Action Tongs)
Maker
Unknown German Manufacturer. The markings are characteristic of German industrial silver-plating standards used by firms such as WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) or Wellner, though a specific maker's logo is not clearly visible in this strike.
Material
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). The '90' stamp indicates the German plating standard where 90 grams of pure silver were used to plate a set of 12 spoons and 12 forks (standardized surface area).
Dimensions
Estimated length 6-8 inches (15-20 cm). Weight approximately 60-90 grams. The scissor-form suggests a larger serving size rather than small sugar nibs.
Description
This piece is a functional German silver-plated serving utensil, likely a pair of scissor-tongs. Designed with German precision, it avoids the ornate flourishes of the Victorian era in favor of a clean, industrial aesthetic. The prominent quality marks at the pivot point serve as a guarantee of plating thickness, a hallmark of German consumer protection standards from the era.
Key Features
Prominent '90' quality stamp, scissor-pivot construction, and a minimalist design profile with flat-planed arms.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). The '90' stamp indicates the German plating standard where 90 grams of pure silver were used to plate a set of 12 spoons and 12 forks (standardized surface area).
Finish & Decoration
Satin-to-Bright Finish. The piece is largely undecorated, emphasizing the functional scissor-action form. It shows heavy oxidation (patina) and surface wear typical of base-metal bleed-through or heavy sulfur exposure.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '90' in a circle, indicating the silver plating thickness/quality (German silver plate standard). Stamped '2' in a circle, likely an inventory mark, size indicator, or workstation number. Lack of a crown and crescent moon (Reichsmark) confirms it is not solid sterling (.800 or .925).
Construction Details
Two-part scissor construction joined by a central rivet. The arms were likely die-struck or drop-forged from nickel silver (alpaca) and then electroplated with a layer of pure silver.
Functional Features
Scissor-action pivot with a central steel or nickel-silver pin. The broad, flat arms suggest they lead to either spoon-shaped grips or flat tines for gripping sugar cubes, pastries, or asparagus.
Handle & Grip Details
Integrated metal handles forming finger loops (out of frame). The visible pivot area shows a flush-mounted rivet designed for smooth mechanical operation.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality. The rivet is well-centered and flush-ground. The stamping is deep and legible, indicating a high-pressure machine strike rather than hand-punching.
Authentication Indicators
The '90' stamp is a standardized indicator for German silver plate. The yellow-grey undertone visible in high-wear areas indicates a nickel-silver base metal (Alpaca) rather than solid silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Germany. The '90' mark is the definitive hallmark of German silver-plating tradition, historically developed to provide a reliable measure of silver thickness for consumers.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (Modernist/Industrial Influence). The stamping style and font are consistent with mid-century German manufacturing (1930s-1960s).
Age Estimate
Circa 1930-1950. The wear patterns and the specific font of the '90' and '2' stamps suggest a mid-war or immediate post-war production date.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift toward standardized, high-quality mass production in Germany during the 20th century, where utility and material honesty were prioritized over hand-crafted ornamentation.
Condition Notes
Good / Fair. There is significant tarnish and darkened oxidation throughout. The surface shows 'pitting' and micro-scratches consistent with heavy use. No signs of structural cracks, but the rivet may have slight play.
Value Estimate
$15 - $35 USD. Value is utilitarian/decorative; as a plated piece, it lacks significant precious metal melt value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (Wright's or Hagerty). Do not use abrasive pads which will strip the '90' micron plating. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth to prevent the heavy black sulfide buildup visible in the photo.
Similar Pieces
WMF Scissor Tongs (would have an Ostrich or WMF mark), Wellner 'Alpacca' Tongs, or Christofle silver-plated flatware (would have different French square hallmarks).
Interesting Facts
The '90' marking system was so strictly regulated in Germany that it allowed buyers to calculate the exact bullion value of the plating on their table service, a stark contrast to the often ambiguous 'Triple Plate' marks used in the US and UK.