Durgin 'Empire' Pattern Antique Sterling Ice Tongs, Concord, NH, c. 1900

Ice tongs are an uncommon form, and 'Empire' is an uncommon pattern. The outer sides of the handles feature lovely designs of crowns above wreath-encircled, oval blanks which have never been monogrammed.  Other decorative, classical elements include ribbons, flowers, urns with flames, and cornucopias. One pad has pointed grippers, while the other one is pierced to strain water from your ice.

These lovely tongs are marked with Durgin's trademark and 'STERLING' along with the retailer 'WW WATTLES & SONS.' They measure 7 inches long, weigh 3.15 troy ounces, and are in very good antique condition.