These are fiddle pattern tongs, this time with the date letter, dating them to 1813. Notice that the top part of the arms is foreshortened compared to fiddle pattern tongs made in other parts of the country. The current belief is that this was unique to Exeter as there are several Exeter fiddle pattern pairs seen with this style, but none from other assay offices. The maker's mark is quite different to the other tongs. Click on any picture to enlarge |