This is a delightful pair of rare tongs, dated 1778/79. They carry full hallmarks for the date and the maker's mark "JJ". This is probably the mark of John Jesson of Wolverhampton. There are five separate marks recorded for him, all dated 28th November 1775. Another possibility is James Jackson who was the first Birmingham Assay Master and registered a mark in London by power of Attorney in 1773. Unfortunately I have not seen a picture of James Jackson's mark anywhere so we cannot be sure. This mark certainly looks like one of John Jesson's marks.

Pictures by kind permission of a collector.