A Pair of Atkin Brothers, Sheffield, Edward VII Silver Sugar Tongs

Manufacturer - Atkin Brothers, Sheffield

Date - 1909

Description - An elegant pair of Edward VII period silver sugar tongs, decorated with tasteful embellishments that give them a refined and well‑balanced appearance. A lovely example of early 20th‑century table silver, combining practicality with understated decorative charm.

Condition - These tongs are in a clean, good condition

Hallmark - This pair of tongs has clear hallmarks with cypher for Atkin Brothers and a Sheffield date cypher for 1909

Dimensions - Maximum length: 11cms

Weight - Silver weight: 24gms

Date Context -
* King Edward VII begins his 8th year as monarch
* the first pensions are paid out under terms of the Old Age Pensions Act 1908, which provides for a non-contributory weekly sum of 5 shillings to be paid through post offices to people aged over seventy with a weekly income under 12 shillings but of 'good character'. Around 490,000 people are granted the pension during its first year
* Edward VII and Queen Alexandra open the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, designed by Aston Webb
* Militant suffragette Mabel Capper is among the first to suffer force-feeding while on hunger strike, at Winson Green Prison in Birmingham