Lovely Antique Silver Asparagus Tongs By Debain~Sold~

A lovely Antique French Silver Asparagus Tongs by Alphonse DEBAIN.

By the same Alphonse DEBAIN which designed the Chimera head or the Celery Stalk Asparagus Tongs that we have already presented to you, here is another example of his fine work.
The tongue has a beautiful ‘cutaway’ detail with floral and foliage scrolls decorating its side.
The design is also present on the sides and the knob is covered with a silver rose.
Beautiful details throughout.

The center medallion bears a CM monogram.

This ‘Main Pince’ or Silver Asparagus Tongs, was created by the Maitre Orfèvre Alphonse DEBAIN in Paris, to replace the original design used since the later part of the 18th century.

Debain became quite known and specialized in this model which was actually discussed in the official publications of the Exposition Universelle De Paris in 1889, under the exact same design as our piece!
The Tongs fit perfectly in the hand and are in an exquisite condition with the spring located in the hinged joint still working perfectly.
Though it is meant to serve Asparagus it may also be used as a bread or pastry server.

The Hallmark is Minerve 1 -1st title – Hence 1838 to 1919 – Paris

The Makers Mark is for Alphonse DEBAIN
Alphonse DEBAIN was the son of Alphonse Edouard DEBAIN and his Mark was registered on March 19th 1883 – It was cancelled on March 8th 1911

H: 3.93"W: 4.33"Reference number: CC-147