Antique 1837 Superb English Sterling Silver Kings Asparagus Server Tongs

Description

Presented is a fabulous English sterling silver tong form asparagus server. This piece dates to 1837 and was made by John Whiting. The server is done in a classical Queen or Queens pattern, with traditional shell and scroll designs around the handle. The blades of the server are beautifully pierced with an ornate design. The sides of the tongs are held in line with one another by a band that goes around them right above the blades. One of the blades has a slight lip to it, that neatly goes over the end of the other blade when the tongs are squeezed closed. Use this versatile piece for serving asparagus, pancakes, sandwiches, or anything else that might be handily served by tongs.
This piece is hallmarked on the interior of the handle with the lion passant for sterling silver, the leopard's head for the city of London, the date letter B for 1837, and King William IV's head duty mark. On the opposite side is the maker's mark for John Whiting. The band around the sides of the handle, above the blades, is also hallmarked with the lion passant for sterling silver and the maker's mark for John Whiting.
This piece is in great condition. There is no splitting or stress at the back of the tongs where the bend is. There is a missing screw where one of the blades is joined to the handle, but since the other screw is still firmly in place there is no looseness or wiggling. There are no breaks, no dents, no cracks, no monogram removals, and no repairs.
The tongs are about 9 1/8 inches long.
This piece weighs 173 grams or 6.1 regular ounces.
-jm
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