Unlike the mote skimmer, which has no use today but which is of interest because of its curiosity value, sugar tongs not only reflect contemporary decorative styles but can be of use at the tea table today. While prices of certain tongs have increased a good deal over recent years, nineteenth century examples may still be bought for reasonable sums. The shape of early sugar nippers was derived from contemporary fire tongs, and they commonly have baluster stems, and circular or shell-shaped grips. Some grips had rat-tail terminals at the back for strengthening, the stems sometimes being decorated with an acorn or some other decorative shape at their centre point. (more…)

Nowadays we seldom see rows of horse brasses shimmering and winking in the sun as the team of horses rattles along, although some breweries still sport their teams and their brasses, while, of course, there is generally a good turn-out at the agricultural show or the village fête.

Most of the horse brasses you see in the shops today are modern ones, not intended to be sold as anything other than fancy goods, like other brass and china displayed there. In any case they are usually such crude and flimsy things that nobody who had ever handled a real one could be deceived by them for a moment. But there are others, and much more skilful jobs, which have been made more carefully, then worked over to look old. (more…)