A PAIR OF GEORGE V NOVELTY SILVER-GILT AND ENAMEL 'DUTCH DOLL' SUGAR TONGS, COHEN & CHARLES, LONDON, 1911 | A pair of silver novelty gold and enamel sugar-tongs, Colin & Charles London, retailed by J.C. Vickery, London, circa 1930

painted enamel head and hinged limbs, Cohen & Charles, London, 1911, in original case stamped by retailer 'J.C. Vickery / 179 / 181 & 183 / Regent St. W.'

Clear marks. A small skin blemish chip tot the enamel below the chin. Otherwise fine condition in orignal case.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

'Very amusing is a pair of sugar-tongs, "the Dutch Doll" with the head in enamel and legs in silver or gilt.' (From a review of J.C. Vickery's Christmas stock, The lllustrated London News, London, Saturday, 30 November 1912, p. 808). The design of Dutch Doll pattern sugar tongs was inspired by the illustrations in The Adlentures of Two Dutch Dolls and a Golliwogg by Florence Kate Upton (1873-1922), published in 1895. These characters became so popular that they were adapted for the theatre; in 1901 a children's play, Katawampus, included a live Dutch Doll and in 1905 a ballet at the Empire Theatre, Leicester Square, featured a similar Dutch Doll dance.