Rare Victorian Silver Sugar Scissors

The reason why this item is described as rare is because they are not a standard pair of sugar tongs - these are formed quite differenty with a scissor-action movement rather than tongs, which you squeeze together. Furthermore, the cast decoration of faces on the ends of the scissors and the engraved squirrel and pheasant in the middle section make these very unusual indeed. I have not seen another pair the same. Marked for Francis Higgins, who was was one of the leading silversmiths of the mid-Victorian era and recognised for taking inspiration from nature. He is still very much sought after and his pieces are part of a number of important collections including some in the Victoria and Albert Museum. 43 grams