William Stalker founded the firm of Lister & Sons. There is much confusion over dates. His markwas registered with the Newcastle wardens in 1833 but work is seen for many other dates. He died in 1868, opened a shop in Newcastle in 1812 and advertised many times, moving premises in 1830. He had a business relationship with a Sheffield plate manufacturer. This pair of tongs is very ordinary, plain and of the "old English" style and dated 1822.