silvermakersmarks wrote:If you are a collector of tongs you will know that maker's mark and sterling lion passant are normally the only marks present on 18th century examples.
Your first maker is GS and almost certainly London. The lion passant is of the type used from 1739 to 1755 but I am not certain about the identity of GS - possibly George Smith I.
HP is Henry Plumpton a specialist London tongs maker who was working from 1761 until at least 1773.
Phil
Thank you very much for the for the info. It is much appreciated. Everyday you learn new things :) Great forum, great people here.
I am not a tongs collector, I bought them with other items as a package deal. I knew they were old but couldn't be sure it was 18th century.
Ps. Sorry for the double post.