James Gordon I

Makers Mark                                      

These tongs have Scottish characteristics. They have concave bows, they are a full 5 3/4 ins long and at 1 3/4 oz very heavy. The overall pattern gives the impression of being "provincial" , i.e. heavier and courser than London work. James Gordon worked in Aberdeen. The bowls are of unusual design, being only patterned part way down giving them the appearance of being shorter than they are. The pattern resembles a thistle. There is no visible sterling mark or town mark on these tongs as it has been covered by a repair across the join of the arms to the bow on that side. There is however evidence that there was more than one mark there. This supports an assay office other than London as at this date London tongs did not carry a town mark . There is also a repair to the lower arm on one side. There is a monogram on the Bow that is partly erased, but is just discernable as M over A + S.   The tongs date between 1766 and 1783 inclusive. Weight: 1 3/4 oz, Length: 5 3/4 ins

The other possible, though less likely  attribution Is John Gurney of London 1765 -1770

Partly erased Monogram                                    Unusual Bowls