51/544

Nothing is known about the origin of these sugar cutters, which probably date from the late-eighteenth century. They are made of iron and are decorated with a pattern near the hinge. Both the catch which held the jaws together and the spike to protect the user's knuckles are still intact. Until the introduction of cube sugar in the second half of the nineteenth century, sugar was only available in large lumps or cones and the cutters were used for cutting off smaller pieces.

1 pair of sugar cutters: metal (wrought iron); good condition

MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'These sugar cutters are made of iron, and are decorated by a pattern on the flat surfaces where the jaws hinge. They are complete with catch and spike to guard the knuckles of the user. // They measure 9” in length. // See also 51/543.L', MERL 'Catalogue index' card [51/543] – 'Sugar cutters were used before the introduction of cube sugar in the second half of the nineteenth century to break up loaf sugar into pieces suitable for table use. The loaf was a circular cone about 14 inches at the base by 36 inches in height. // Lindsay (Iron and Brass Implements of the English House) says, “These were made on the principle of pliers, the jaws being almost circular and having a sharp blade at the end of each, they could be manipulated by one hand, as the jaws were forced open by a spring upon unfastening a catch at the end of the handles. To prevent the knuckles coming into violent contact with the table, a spike or distance piece was attached to the outside of one handle”.', Lavinia Smith No. 446., Lavinia Smith Catalogue (D60/28) - 'A list of the contents of the East Hendred museum. July 5 1940. // 445-448 Four sugar nippers.' (Also see 51/545, 51/546 and 51/543), Heritage of the Hendreds Exhibition Catalogue 1969 - 'Catalogue of Exhibits // Number 31 // Sugar Cutters // Lent by The Museum of English Rural Life' (The description in the catalogue could also be in reference to 51/545 and 51/546)

1775-01-01 - 1799-12-31

Late-eighteenth century

Rippon, Miss Dorothy May Lyddon (Agent)