Newcastle Tongs?

[bstaunto]

Hi all,

Trying to work out these pierced tongs. The closest maker I can find seems to be Francis Somerville II of Newcastle, but I would have dated these tongs to earlier than that?



Any help or thoughts would be appreciated.

Ben

[dognose]

Hi Ben,

Can you post a larger image of the maker's mark? It looks to me like Frances Stamp of London. If so then then the mark is not often to be found.

Frances was the widow of James Stamp of 86, Cheapside, who died on the 11th April 1780. She entered her mark on the 12th May 1780, and it is likely that James Sutton took over the business as from the 7th July 1780, the date that he entered his mark from the 86, Cheapside address. If I'm correct, then your tongs can be dated to within that less than three month period.

Also, is the Lion Passant struck directly over the solder line?

Regards, Trev.

[bstaunto]

Hi Trev,

Sorry I was being lazy with the pictures!

Here are larger images of both:



Is does appear the Lion is over the solder mark...does that tell us something?

Cheers, Ben.

[dognose]

Hi Ben,

I believe the London office used that method to ensure the pieces were not dissembled after assay, it would have been very easy for an unscrupulous silversmith to attach two below standard arms to the previously hallmarked bow. As to whether the other offices done the same, perhaps another could advise.

Hopefully we'll get the opinion of others soon regarding their thoughts on the maker.

Meanwhile, some information can be found here: viewtopic.php?f=74&t=23609&p=56831

Trev.

[Granmaa]

Definitely a London lion.
This is a lion from a pair of Newcastle cast tongs from the same period.

Miles

[bstaunto]

Wow, thanks guys!

I just picked these up at an auction because I didn't have a set of pierced sugar tongs in my collection.

It will fit nicely into my women silversmiths section now!

Much appreciated,

Ben

[Tongtwister]

Hi,

Yes - definitely Frances Stamp & as Trev says , a rare mark. There is a picture of another pair of tongs by her on my web-site, but these are not cast tongs.

Regards
Graham