These cast sugar tongs are a puzzle to me, all of the others l have (London) are assayed on the inside of the bow (most pre-duty) this pair is different, the marks on the inside are totaly rubbed,the only assay mark visible is the "U" on the outside.
l have looked at "Jacksons" and other tables and the nearest l have is London 1815 but the "shield" is not right and there is no duty mark which l would of thought would off been on the outside as well.
The only other alternative is the Chester mark for 1770 which in some books is not dissimilar but would make these tongs quite a rare item, so any thoughts please ?
Nigel
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