Odd bowl on English Sugar Tongs of c 1780
Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2013 12:26 pm
A fairly standard pair of bright cut tongs of the pre-duty period . Arms slimmer than usual, and the bow curvature greater, rather like most Bateman tongs. Maker WT , wth Lion Passant which could be provincial, perhaps Exeter.
The bowls are, as far as I know, unique. My initial though was a Victorian or later alteration, but from a close examination the holes appear to have been cut during the original making as an afterthought.
Perhaps intended to pick a object ( olive ?) from a liquid.
As I've never seen another, of any period, I'm totally clueless !

All suggestion, however vulgar, invited
The bowls are, as far as I know, unique. My initial though was a Victorian or later alteration, but from a close examination the holes appear to have been cut during the original making as an afterthought.
Perhaps intended to pick a object ( olive ?) from a liquid.
As I've never seen another, of any period, I'm totally clueless !

All suggestion, however vulgar, invited
