Vintage Tiffany 925 Sterling Silver Scallop Shell Sugar Ice Tongs, Italy

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Vintage Tiffany & Company sterling silver serving tongs with scallop shell ends. Made in Italy.

"Tiffany & Co was founded … Read more Vintage Tiffany & Company sterling silver serving tongs with scallop shell ends. Made in Italy.

"Tiffany & Co was founded by Charles L. Tiffany in 1837 with John B. Young under the name Tiffany & Young. I began not as a jewelry and silver emporium, but as a purveyor of stationery and fancy goods. Although America was in a deep economic recession, the store soon acquired a respected name and flourished with its quality merchandise imported from Europe, India and the Orient. In 1841 J.L. Ellis joined the partnership and the name changed to Tiffany, Young & Ellis. The first of the Tiffany "Blue Book" catalogs appeared in 1845, which included the first indications of silver merchandise. The firm expanded to larger quarters in 1847, the move enabling a significant increase in the retailing of silver and jewelry. The goods were mostly made by New York City silversmiths and often bore their maker's marks, as well as the Tiffany's retailer mark. In 1851 they became the first American firm to introduce the use of the English Sterling (.925) standard in American made silver. Silversmith John C. Moore & Son entered into a special business relationship to produce exclusively for Tiffany. Both Young and Ellis retired in 1853, giving Charles Tiffany control of the firm, changing the name to Tiffany & Co. In 1868 the silverware factory of Moore was formally purchased by Tiffany, with Edward C. Moore becoming one of the directors. Production was immediately expanded to include flatware production, with the first pattern premiering in 1869. Throughout the remaining years of the 19th century, Tiffany’s won wide acclaim for the nature of its product and the wealth of its clientele. The founder, Charles L. Tiffany, died in 1902. Tiffany and Co. moved to its current location on New York 5th Ave. in 1940. The new building was immensely beautiful and was designed in the art deco style. Above the door is a statue of Atlas bearing the weight of the world. Instead of a globe being held above his head, he holds a clock. The architects of the building wanted to create an ominous affect that reminded Tiffany & Co.’s visitors of the rarity and preciousness of the treasures carried by the store. For that reason, all of the buildings doors were made to look like the doors of industrial bank vaults. The company remained in the hands of the Tiffany and Moore families until 1955. Today, Tiffany & Co. remains a leading maker of jewelry, China, crystal, silver, and glassware. Tiffany’s sterling pieces are some of the purest to be found in the world." (Source: 925-1000 / Silver Collection)

Dimensions:
8" x 1" x 1.25" (Width x Depth x Height) / 93.9 g See less