Antique French sterling silver sugar tongs with solid casted figural handles. In a rare Renaissance pattern featuring meticulously detail caryatid female busts and gothic style mascarons. Terminating to scalloped shell ends. Beautifully crafted with a good weight in hand.
Hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st standard mark, in use from 1838, which guaranteed the finest quality silver of .950/1000 purity (95% pure silver and a higher grade than the standard .925 for sterling). Maker's marks for Parisian silversmith celebrated Parisian silversmith and jeweler Gustave BOYER, who commenced trading in 1889 at 71 rue du Temple. In good antique condition with general wear. Measures 4" length. Weighs 46.1 grams.