This is an interesting maker’s mark as we also have antique Georgian silver sugar tongs by John Lias on his own and by John & Henry Lias. To sort them out, John was the father and Henry and Charles were John’s sons. In fact the partnership of all three, (as plate-workers), was only formed on 7^th August 1823. Prior to that were John on his own, followed by John & Henry. These sugar tongs are plain, old English style. Notice that they are larger and “chunkier” than Georgian tongs. This became the fashion from about this time. These tongs are dated 1829/30.

Click here to  see tongs by John Lias

Click here to see tongs by John & Henry Lias