John Robertson I & David Darling only worked together for a very short time, between 10^th July 1795 and 8^th November 1796 – 16 months. This followed immediately after Robertson's partnership with John Langlands ended. It is very interesting that their advertisement talks of “Gold, Silver… which have been selected with the utmost care, from the first and most fashionable Quarters in London and elsewhere”. Clearly they did not make everything themselves. In July 1796 they were accused of forging hallmarks. The partnership was dissolved in November 1796. These tongs are lovely flared, bright cut tongs and could easily have been made in London and brought to Newcastle.