18th Century Pair of Silver Tea Tongs

A gorgeous pair of silver tea tongs, dating from the 18th Century. These fine examples are of scissor form with cast arms and finger grips. The pads are shell form and contain the hall marks. (Maker's mark and Sterling lion - usual for these type of tongs. Date letter and Town mark were rarely present, except in later examples). The original owner's pricked initial 'S' is engraved just below the central pivot. Created for lifting sugar lumps at an elegant tea table, these delightful 250 year old tongs, have many uses. Maker:- John Bourne