This information has been updated with many thanks to Miles Harrison, who has recently published a new book "Exeter and West Country silver 1700-1900".  This is an extremely comprehensive book and can be bought directly from Miles - simply click HERE

Richard Ferris is listed in the Freeman’s lists of 1784. He had been Thomas Eustace's apprentice.  Richard Ferris was George Ferris I's brother.  He died in 1812, just 53 years old. He left his tools to his brother. In fact Richard Ferris made more sugar tongs than any of the other Exeter makers.

George and Richard Ferris operated from a jeweller in the centre of Exeter, variously recorded as "The Close", "High Street", 166 Fore Street and 106 Fore Street, in that order chronologically.

Most of Richard Ferris’s tongs are a flared bright cut style, although I have seen just one flared plain pair of tongs and a few straight bright cut tongs. The engraving on his tongs is of a good quality and equally as good as most London makers. This range of Richard Ferris tongs gives a good picture of the changes to the Exeter hallmarks, helping to date items a little better.

Click here for tongs by George Ferris