This particular pair of silver sugar tongs is unusual. They have the clipped duty mark, dating them between 7th July 1797 and 28th May 1798. They feature the shell motif near the top of the arms. This pattern was only very rarely used at this time, although the shell motif is much more prevalent from abut 10 - 15 years later. They are also marked with two monograms, the dragon, (if it is a dragon), with a crown around its neck is on the outside and the initials "AK" on the inside, underneath the bow. These tongs are in excellent condition and are nearly 6 inches long and weigh 49.5 grams.