This is a pair of beaded, thread edge tongs. The beading is quite worn from the tongs having been polished many, many times over the years. These tongs have an elaborate "B" monogram. Although the hallmark is quite rubbed, it is still clearly discernable as the incuse duty mark, dating the tongs between 1st December 1784 and 28th May 1786. Again it is quite unusual to see Hester Bateman tongs of this style, they are far more normally flared bright cut tongs. Click on any picture to enlarge |