These are an exceptionally rare pair of tongs as they have the duty draw-back mark. This mark was only used between 2nd December 1784 and 24th July 1785 and was used when a piece was exported - allowing the maker to "draw back" the duty paid. The duty drawback mark is therefore rare and this makes the tongs that much more interesting. These tongs also have a very interesting monogram. It looks like a wedding or betrothal monogram but the extra "V" looks strange, unless it was a double-barrelled surname. This is usually a sign of the initials having been engraved in the Channel Islands, which is quite feasible given the duty draw-back mark.

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