Object number
51/543
Collection
Description
Nothing is known about the origin of these sugar cutters, which probably date from the late-eighteenth century. They are made of iron and have an engraved pattern near the hinge. 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.
Physical description
1 sugar cutters: metal (iron); good condition
Label Text
Sugar cutters. Although rarely seen in households in the modern day, a pair of sugar cutters was an important tool for families before the introduction of the sugar cube in the 19th century. Before this time, sugar was sold only in large cones known as sugarloafs. These cutters were used to cut off small, manageable pieces. Demand for sugar was arguably the most significant driver of the transatlantic slave trade, with over 46,000 slave owners in Britain in 1833. The dreadful conditions on sugar plantations were important factors in the abolition campaign, as many appalled consumers began buying East Indian 'free-grown' sugar instead.
Archival history
MERL 'Catalogue index' card – '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”. // This pair is made of iron and has an engraved pattern on the flat surfaces where the jaws hinge, an indication, according to Lindsay, that they are of late 18th century origin. // The cutters measure 9.5 inches in length and have the catch and the spike missing. One of the cutters has at some point been broken off and a new one has been brazed on.', Lavinia Smith No. 445., 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 51/544)
Production date
1775-01-01 - 1799-12-31
Production period
Late-eighteenth century
Object name
Material
Associated subject
Associated person/institution
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\35 series negatives\Scans\35_424.tif - High resolution image
