One can never be sure about the maker’s mark “IB”. I have ascribed these tongs to John Blake because he is the most likely maker of this date.

John Blake registered his first mark on 5th September 1788 as a small-worker. He registered other marks up to 1803 and was the father of John William Blake and husband to Sarah Blake, who registered a mark together on 15th June 1809, presumably on John’s death. He was therefore a known maker of sugar tongs.

Click here to see tongs by Sarah & John William Blake

Click here to see some John Blake maker's marks

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1798