John Scofield was a renowned Plate-worker. His surname is often spelled "Schofield" but his signature has no "h" in it. His first mark was enetered as a plate-worker, in partnerhsip with Robert Jones, on 10th February 1776. He then entered a second mark, alone on 13th January 1778. Although he is well known for his candle-sticks and candelabra, there appears to be no other maker registered with the initials of "JS" around this time. I have therefore attributed these tongs to John Scofield, although, as always, I could be wrong.

These tongs are cast tongs, and of the expected style for the late 1770's. I have therefore dated them at around 1778, when he registered his fiorst mark alone.