This particular pair of silver sugar tongs is unusual. They are dated 1797 and are of Fiddle, thread & shell pattern. As Eley & Fearn registered their first mark together on 5th January 1797, these tongs must be dated between then and 29th May 1797. This pattern did not become widely used until some 10 - 15 years later. Notice that the fiddle shape is more curvy than with later tongs. They are also quite narrow and long, coming in at 6 inches long. The hallmark is also a little unusual in that it was not punched with a single stub. The Duty mark is a little offset from the Lion Passant and Date letter which ere apparently punched from one stub with the duty mark struck separately. The tongs are in excellent condition and weigh 43.8 grams.