Gorgeous antique Belle Epoque era French sterling silver & gilt vermeil sugar tongs or nips with two-toned finish and ornate neoclassical decoration. Lovely ornamentation to the handles, patterned with laurel wreaths with openwork, terminating to fluting and garlands. Tipped with a charming raised relief of a quiver of arrows and flaming torch, suspended from ribbon and tassels, enhanced with engraved scrolling foliage and pierce-work. A lovely pair of sugar tongs, exquisitely decorated and of fine craftsmanship and detail. Hallmarked with the French Minerve 1st standard mark, depicting the head of the goddess Minerva with a number 1 beside her to denote a silver content of .950/1000, which is almost 95% pure silver and higher than 925 sterling. Also bearing maker's marks for Parisian silversmith Alphonse Debain, active from 1883-1911 at 79 rue du Temple, Paris. In overall good antique condition with general wear commensurate with age and use. Measures 4 7/8" length. Weighs 33.6 grams.