Elegant antique to vintage French Louis XVI style Australian hallmarked .800 (nearly sterling) solid silver 4" asparagus or cigar server tongs, crossed ribbons and bow & ribbon pattern and wonderful condition! I can't be certain but it sure seems like this is the first Australian hallmarked silver piece that we've had the pleasure to offer. Very French in style and pattern, the crossed ribbon fluted or thread border with the bow & ribbon accenting definitely borrowed from a French silversmith. The hallmarks are simply the Australian 'toucan' with "W4" and "800" designating the silver content to be at least 80% pure so just under the .925 standard for "sterling" silver. We're thinking it's most likely an asparagus tong though the single service curved pincers could just as easily have been meant for grasping cigars from an antique cigar presenter.
Very good to excellent condition. I see no damage, flaws or repairs worth noting. Possibly some faint surface scuffs but we did have it wheel polished to a lustrous shine
