Solid Silver Asparagus Tongs, 19th Century

Asparagus tongs, solid silver, France, second half of the 19th century

Solid silver asparagus tongs; the edges of the handles and the central rivet are decorated with a double beaded border. It bears a “SG” (?) monogram, finely chased with an interlaced pattern.

A typical piece of French tableware.

Made in France, bearing the diamond-shaped “BC” maker’s mark with a crowned chalice, likely that of François-Auguste Boyer-Callot.

Second-hallmark Minerva mark (800 parts per thousand) on the handles
Second-hallmark Minerva mark (800 parts per thousand) on the rivet

Traces of an old, illegible hallmark

Very good overall condition (some signs of oxidation and normal wear scratches)

Period: Second half of the 19th century–late 19th century

Net weight: 125 g

Dimensions:

Length: 21 cm.
Width of the tongs: between 2.4 cm (widest point) and 1.7 cm (narrowest point).
Handle width: between 0.7 cm (at its narrowest) and 3.1 cm (at its widest).
Rivet width: 0.7 cm.