Antique Solid Silver Georgian Asparagus Tongs, Leveson-Gower/Sutherland Crest - 1820

Description and Details 

We are delighted to have acquired and be able to offer this pair of solid silver Georgian asparagus tongs made by William Eley & William Fearn in London, 1820.

The tongs feature a wonderful classical style with the terminals of the handles presenting a scalloped design and the entire edge accented by a contrasting border formed by two fine lines.

A noteworthy crest is present on the end of the handle with it bearing the crest of Leveson-Gower ('wolf statant collared and chained') and the other crest for the Sutherland Clan, described as a 'cat-a-mountain salient'.

The tongs were eventually discovered at Dunrobin Castle which is situated in Sutherland (Highland area of Scottland), and was/is a very ornate and extravagant castle that is still standing today.

During the period this piece was made, the 1st Duke of Sutherland, George Granville Leveson-Gower owned extensive land which eventually resulted in him being one of the wealthiest individuals in Britain to such an extent that titles and speculation such as "The Leviathan of Wealth" and "the richest man that ever died" came about to be associated with him. 

Above: To the left, a portrait of the 1st Duke. To the right, the crest of Leveson-Gower & the Sutherland Clan. 

Leveson-Gower (1st Duke) and his wife spent a great deal renovating Dunrobin Castle as their family seat and he eventually passed away there.

Supposedly, these tongs were stored away and not discovered for a long period as they were fairly recently discovered in the attic of Dunrobin Castle and were eventually offered for sale in the Dunrobin Castle Attic Sale. 

Due to the versatility of such wares, this pair would allow for an excellent and diverse range of usage whether be it with asparagus, bread slices, or creative choices of your preference in the modern era.

The tongs are fully hallmarked on the inside of the handle with clear English marks.   

A wonderful pair with rich Aristocratic interest whilst serving a practical and useable purpose in the modern-day. 

*All photos including other wares are for display purposes only - other pieces may be purchased separately. 

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