John Townsend is recorded in Grimwade from 10th September 1783. These particular tongs have the incuse duty mark, dating them between 1784 and 1786.
West Country makers would often send their work to Exeter for hallmarking but there is no reference to John Townsend having sent anything to Exter. From the marks these tongs appear to have been hallmarked in London, The style fo the tongs is very much that of many West Country makers.

Pictures are supplied with many thanks by Michael Baggott.