Stork sugar nips. Sugar nips were modeled on fire tongs. Those formed as a stork were hinged through the eye and as in this piece often concealed a baby. They were first made in 1725-60 and these are rare. They were widely copied in the nineteenth century. It is possible that this form of sugar nips were also used to facilitate threading of needles. The hallmark on this piece dates it as being made in London in 1897. It has the makers mark MW, then the lion passant for English silver and then an F connected to the leopard’s head. The sugar nips are in excellent condition with no damage.
Measurements: Height – 3 ¼ inches (8 cm): Length handles – 1 ½ inches (4 cm): Length beak – 1 ½ inches (4 cm). Weight - 1 ½ oz (45 gm). 

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