S. Kirk & Son 'Repousse' c. 1850 10.15 Silver Heavy Sugar Tongs

This item traces to mid 19th Baltimore and reflects the character of early silver from that city.

Sugar tongs, they measure 5" long, and at 1.7 T. oz., are exceptionally heavy for their size.

Stamped "S. Kirk & Son" and "10.15" for the peculiar-to-Baltimore silver standard that is essentially equivalent to coin, each arm is chased in a high relief flower and leaf design that is akin to Kirk's holloware of the period, as illustrated, for example, in Maryland Silver published by the Baltimore Museum of Art.

This is all hand worked, and while similar to Kirk's flagship Repousse pattern, it clearly shows its roots in the silversmith's craft, being more organic than later manufactured items in this design that were produced by the major silver firm that Kirk became.

The cupped grips are talon form, have textured surfaces on the interiors and feathered detail on the outsides where they join the arms.

The arch, which is slightly asymmetrical from use, is engraved with a well-worn script monogram. It also shows some old, perhaps repair or reinforcing, solder work on the underside.

Arches are subject to stress and can develop cracks. Additionally, inscriptions can be so deeply cut that the score and weaken the backside of the metal. Something along one of these lines happened to this, but in the end was remedied early on and does not compromise the integrity or singularity of the piece as an artifact.

Apart from this, there is no visible wear or damage and the finish is bright and without marring. There is one faint scuff on the inside of the arm with the mark. It was probably tested for silver content at some point.