Antique French sterling silver sugar tongs featuring an Art Nouveau motif of shamrocks in relief. Hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st standard mark, which depicts the goddess Minerva with a number 1 beside her to denote a silver content of 950/1000 (of 95% silver and a higher finesse than .925 sterling). Bearing a maker's mark for master silversmith Claude DOUTRE ROUSSEL, he registered his mark May 17th 1895, and commenced trade at 118 rue Vieille du Temple in the Marais Area of Paris. Measures 4 7/8" length. Weighs 33.8g. In overall good antique condition with general wear commensurate with age and use.