Unusual English-Plate Mark on Unusual Tongs PLS HELP!

[BBEA]

I purchased these little tongs because aesthetically they looked like Polo Mallets. But, I am not sure what their purpose is....are they individual asparagus tongs? I didn't know there was such a thing.... The gripper portion is curved, like it could hold a cigarette. Also, Please help me with this mark!! I am assuming it is a English maker of silver plate, but I can't find any info. Thanking you in advance!!!

[dragonflywink]

They are individual asparagus tongs, used as place setting pieces. Looks like English silverplate to me also, but the pictures are so tiny!

Cheryl ;o)

[BBEA]

Thanks for the info. I have posted a larger photo of the makers mark, if that helps at all. Also, does anyone have suggestion as to reference books that list a large number of English EPNS makers marks?

Thanks again!

[Waylander]

Hi there

The mark looks to be the EPNS markings for Mappin & Webb. "Mappin & Webb were established in 1797, but it was not until the late 19th Century that they emerged as one of the largest manufacturers and retailers of silver in the UK. In the late 19th Century two branches of the Mappin family competed: Mappin & Webb and Mappin Brothers, before joining forces in 1902 when Mappin & Webb bought the controlling interest from the Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company Ltd..

Mappin & Webb, as a subsidiary of Sears Holdings Ltd., acquired J W Benson Ltd., Ollivant & Botsford and the Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company Ltd. amongst a list of many others. In the early 1960’s, they combined with Walker & Hall and Elkington & Co, and are still active today as retailers under the auspices of British Silverware Ltd. They produced large quantities of machine-made flatware in both silver and EPNS." (quote).

Regards

Waylander