George II Sugar Nips, Elegant Rococo Design, Cast Shell
Grips, Open Loop Handles, London c1740-55, Maker 'H.?'
(s1130)
A very elegant and decorative pair of George II sterling
silver Sugar Nips in the height of rococo style dating from c1740-55 and made in
London by 'H.?' (the second initial of the maker's mark is only partly struck, so
not sure as to its exact letter).
To check price and availability:
click here
For a condition report: click here
This pretty pair of Georgian sugar nips have circular shaped open
loop handles, circular box joint, elegant rococo scrolled arms terminating in
cast shell feet.
The two loop handles have a circular shape to them, with
decorative flying scrolls emanating from the top portions. The loop
handles are attached to the central box joint of the nips by decorative 'S' scroll
brackets, these also having open flying scrolls to them.
Each of the open loop handles is hallmarked on the meeting
faces, each with the Maker's Mark of the Initials 'H.?'
and the Sterling Silver Mark of the Lion Passant.
The box joint of these sugar nips are inscribed with
contemporary initials 'D' over M*W'. These would have been the initials of the
original owners of these sugar nips.
A pair of 'C' scroll brackets, lead out of the other side of the
box joint creating the top of the arms of the nips. These 'C' scrolls have each
got a flying scroll on their outer edge. From this 'C' scroll the long tapering
arms lead down to the grips.
The arms, like the open loop handles, are embellished with
tiny flying scrolls at the top and bottom portions of the arms.
The actual 'nips' of these pretty sugar nips are in the form
of cast silver shells. The shell shape of these nips adds to the overall pleasing appearance of
these charming Georgian sugar nips.
A delightful and elegant pair of rococo sugar nips from the mid-eighteenth Century. These very fine sugar nips were made in
London c1740-55.
Size and Weight: (values are approximate)
Marks:
There are two marks on each of the loop handles on
their meeting sides. These marks comprise the Maker's Mark of the Initials 'H.?'
(second initial mis-struck)
and the Sterling Silver Mark of the Lion Passant.
With the shape of the Lion Passant with both front feet pointed upward, head
with main and the indented rectangular shield in which it is struck, would date
these sugar nips to 1740 - 1755.
These delightful George II sugar nips are in excellent condition with no
repairs or restoration. The central box joint is in good order and the nips are
clearly hallmarked on each open loop handle, although the maker's mark is half
struck, it is nearly identifiable. An excellent pair of sugar
nips for the connoisseur collector of Eighteenth century English silver.
