Robert Wilson only worked in Newcastle between 1794 and 1795. He then moved to Scotland, near Edinburgh. Work by Robert Wilson with Newcastle marks is therefore rare. This pair of tongs is particularly lovely as they come with a set of six tea-spoons also marked by Robert Wilson and monogrammed with the same monogram. The “RW” maker’s mark is interesting as there are several Scottish makers displaying the “RW” mark at this time, one of whom is very likely to have been Robert Wilson of Newcastle. Although the monogram is "R.W.M". This will not bear any relationship to the maker. It is a betrothal monogram. The "R" is the surname and the "W" and "M" are first names.