A pair of George III provincial sterling silver sugar tongs, York circa 1780 by John Hampston and John Prince

with cast and pierced arms of interlaced scroll work and harebell drops, the grips formed as acorns. The arch with engraved decoration of stylised flowers and an incised edge, as well as contemporaneous initials B*M in Roman script. Marked to interior of arch with lion passant and makers mark only.

Length – 14.2 cm / 5.5 inches

Weight – 41 grams / 1.32 ozt