James Darquits junior registered a mark as a small-worker on 19th November 1787. He is also recorded by Heal, up to 1800. John Death registered his first mark on 11^th July 1803 and another on 29^th June 1808.

This mark "ID" could be either of these two makers, we simply don't know. We do know that Thomas Death (John Death's brother) was a flatware maker, but this does not necessarily mean that John also made flatware. I have ascribed these tongs to John Death because the maker's mark is very different to that of James Darquits junior, being much smaller and without a pellet. Thes tongs are standard fiddle pattern and are dated between 29th May and 10th October 1804.

There are other potential makers around this time with the maker's mark of "ID" with a pellet between the letters.

John Dare - registered a mark on 9th February 1773 - believed to be a large-worker

John Deacon - (no pellet) registered a mark on 11th September 1776 but was reported as bankrupt in April 1775

John Dutton - registered a mark as a small-worker on 7th August 1776 but is believed to have specialised in leather-worked goods with silver mounts

Joseph Dodds - registered a mark as a plate-worker on 13th June 1789. Also recorded in partnership with John Troutbeck during 1790-96

Click here to see tongs by for James Darquits junior