A sterling silver engine turned mechanical ice claw.  This is a beautifully made and great looking addition to even the most equipped home bar.  These spring loaded claws or, ice tongs are not uncommon, but in sterling silver are very rare indeed.

The body of the tongs are fully engine turned.  This was applied to the silver for not only aesthetic reasons, but also to aid purchase when they become a little wet.  The are very easy to operate, requiring the user to push down on the top, and then release once over the desired piece of ice.  They can also be used for picking up olives or cherries for other cocktails.

There is a full set of English silver import marks in a small cartouche at the top of the claws, along with further marks on the claws themselves.  The marks show that the piece was imported into London, England by luxury English retailer Mappin & Webb in 1960.  European made originally, they remain in superb condition, and fully functioning.