This is a gorgeous pair of straight sided and bright cut engraved tongs. The engraving is still crystal clear, almost like the day it was made. They have interesting "Acorn" style bowls. We cannot be quite clear of the hallmark as the duty mark is a little rubbed. It could be the profiled duty mark of 1797, but I have plumped for the more normal oval mark. The maker's mark is also a little unusual, not quite the same as any of the others. I have dated them at around 1790.