English Sterling Jester & Ouroboros Snake Sugar Tongs, Birmingham 1887

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Victorian Sterling Silver Jester & Ouroboros Snake Sugar Tongs, Birmingham 1887, by Joseph Willmore

An extraordinary example of Victorian novelty … Read more Victorian Sterling Silver Jester & Ouroboros Snake Sugar Tongs, Birmingham 1887, by Joseph Willmore

An extraordinary example of Victorian novelty silver, this figural pair of sterling sugar tongs was crafted in Birmingham in 1887 by Joseph Willmore, a silversmith celebrated for his inventive and refined small work.

The central figure is a finely cast court jester (Harlequin), depicted with remarkable detail in his diamond-patterned costume and ruffled collar, embodying both wit and theatrical play. The handles are formed as intertwined ouroboros snakes, each biting its own tail, an ancient symbol of eternity and renewal. The terminals are leaf-shaped bowls, completing a design at once playful and symbolic—a hallmark of late Victorian taste for allegory and humor in domestic objects.

Fully and clearly hallmarked with the Birmingham anchor, lion passant, date letter for 1887, and the maker’s mark JW for Joseph Willmore, the tongs combine both exquisite artistry and technical precision. Unusual figural themes of this caliber were produced in limited numbers, making surviving examples highly prized among collectors.

This pair would appeal to enthusiasts of Victorian novelty silver, collectors of Harlequin and commedia dell’arte motifs, and connoisseurs of symbolic decorative arts. The condition is excellent with crisp detailing and well-defined marks.

Dimensions: 4.75" L x 2.25" W
Weight: 51 grams
Origin: Birmingham, England
Date: 1887 See less