Antique Belle Epoque era French sterling silver sugar tongs. Exquisitely decorated in raised relief with a charming scene a putti or Bacchus figure standing under a grape vine. Below the figure is a lovely basket of fruit, scrolling foliage and palmette motif. Further decorated with scrolling grape vines and leaves. Hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st standard mark, which guaranteed the finest quality French sterling silver of .950/1000 purity in use from 1838 (95% pure silver and a higher grade than the standard .925 for sterling). Bearing maker's marks for silversmith Pierre-Francois Queille, circa 1880, located at 11 rue des Petits-Carreaux in Paris. In overall good condition with some wear and surface scratches from use and age. Measures 4 1/2" length. Weighs 31.5 grams.