Preloved British Silver Clawed Sugar Tongs
 
 
This item is a piece of antique collectible silverware, specifically sugar cube tongs, featuring hallmarks that indicate its origin and composition. Hallmarks are official stamps impressed by an assay office to attest to the precious metal's standard. 
Hallmarks: The stamps visible typically include a purity mark (such as for sterling silver), an assay office symbol, a date letter, and a maker's mark. 
Composition: These marks attest to the silver content of the object. 
Purpose: Such items are often prized for their historical significance, craftsmanship, and decorative patterns. 
Identification: Identifying the exact age and maker requires matching the specific letter and symbol stamps against historical records. 
 
Based on the hallmarks, this item is a piece of British Sterling Silver. 
Identification of Marks
The markings on the silver provide specific details about its origin and quality:
The Lion Passant (Middle Symbol): This is the standard mark for Sterling Silver in the British hallmark system, indicating a silver purity of at least 92.5%.
Assay Office Mark (Left Symbol): This appears to be a Crown, which is the historical symbol for the Sheffield assay office in England.
Date Letter (Right Symbol): The stylized letter 'h' in a cartouche serves as the date mark. Based on similar Sheffield hallmarks, a lowercase 'h' in this style typically corresponds to the year 1900.
Maker's Mark (Far Right): The final, partially obscured symbol (possibly "JD / & S") represents the manufacturer. This specific layout is common for James Deakin & Sons Ltd, a well-known firm in Sheffield. 
 
 
These sugar tongs measure 10.5cm in length. The heads measure 2.1cm in length and 1.9cm in width.
 
It has tarnish. I think it would polish up quite well.