Odd tongs.

[paulh]

This is a bit of an oddity. It is 5 inches in length with a spring action. It has one arm with head with four flat ended tines and the other head with a spade like feature. It is not bowled like a spoon but just a flattened curve. It has a Sheffield hallmark for 1820.

The immediate thought is “sugar tongs” but this raises the question; why the two different heads? They come together in a pincer movement, which suggests a scoop and gripping motion. Petit fours or some other sweetmeat is possible, but any other ideas are welcome.

Paul.

[paulh]

I have been reliably informed that they are watercress Tongs. Apparently watercress became hugely fashionable and popular in the early 1800s.

[oel]

Hi Paul, thanks for sharing this new information, much appreciated.
Cheers,

Peter.

[dognose]

Hi Paul,

Thanks for the information. I, for one, have learned something new.

Trev.

[JayT]

How cool is that! Can we assume by their length that the tongs are for individual use rather than a serving piece? Water cress is hard to eat, so an individual tongs would be useful.

[paulh]

Being of sugar nip size I think that they are for individual use.

[JayT]

Thanks for clarifying!