STERLING SILVER TONGS SUGAR NIPS by Alexander Osborn London England ca1760s Rare

A pair of sterling silver hinged tea tongs/sugar nips. Shell shaped bowls with scroll-form stems. Please see and inspect all photos. The hinge and its axle are secure. There is an old repair/soldering of the stem, please see photo with red arrows.

Hallmarked to the rings: maker's initials "AO" into square punch attributed for Alexander Osborn; "Lion Passant" for English sterling silver. Marks are crisp and clear. Pictures will tell you more. Arms opens up to 3-1/4in.

Wide Weight: 0.99 troy oz. Clean, free of dents and blemishes.

Commensurate with age, the condition is very good. Rare for their maker and overall condition. Dark spots you are seeing on the photos, are reflections of a camera and other objects.