These tongs are a very plain pair of tongs, monogrammed with what looks like "IS". They The Lion is one that was used between 1829 and 1859 and the duty mark 1823 to 1839. This particular maker's mark was in use between 1835 and 1846. Taking all of those clues together dates the tongs to between 1835 and 1839. Click on any picture to enlarge |