Alice & George Burrows II

George was the son of George I and Alice, their mark was registered in 1803 and they are known to have been still working in 1818, although they are believed not to have made tongs much after 1810.

Makers Mark                                Poor Punch with pellets               

This is a tentative attribution as the punch is very poorly done and rubbed. The presence of a pellet between each set of initials was the deciding factor as I can find only one other combination of "B's" who used one at this date. The problem is the first initials are both difficult to discern but I have seen a very similar but slightly clearer version of this mark on their tongs, where the front of the G has the top and bottom almost run together, and the G is just discernable with a loop as the lower first initial on these.  (Sarah and John William Blake were known to be producing tongs at this date, but the 1811 pair I have seen are better quality. and that punch had no pellet.)  Other possible candidates are Wilkes and John Booth who's mark is also difficult to read, (had Grimwade struggling!), but has no pellet. One thing is sure it is not the Bateman family, not only is the date wrong but so is the quality, style and 'feel'.
The finish is not as good as many other makers, although there are no flaws damage or repairs. They are hallmarked for London 1811, weigh 1 1/4 ounces and are 6 inches long, so longer than most. they are in a fiddle pattern shape, unusual for the Burrows, and there is no decoration, as was common at this date but again unusual for the Burrows, except for a monogrammed 'A B' on the bow. Where these made as a present for Ann herself as a final pair of tongs perhaps?- a nice but unsubstantiated thought!

Hallmark - London 1811                                                                Monogrammed Bow

2.

Another very poorly stamped mark, in this case the G.B is still clear but the top of the punch is unreadable, so it could be George Burrows II alone. The quality overall is similar to those above, although they have no actual damage or repairs they give the impression of having been made for the lower end of the silver market. They are hallmarked for 1804 and are completely plain, the style is more typical of Burrows tongs than above. They weigh 1 1/8 ounces and are 5 1/4 inches long.

Hallmark 1804