John Gilbert

Close Plate not Solid Silver

John Gilbert of Birmingham registered three marks in 1812. Close plating is a process in which a thin layer of silver is bonded to an object made from a base metal, most often iron or steel but occasionally Britannia Metal. The silver plate was affixed through pressing or hammering and the use of a hot iron.
 

Makers mark

These are completely plain except for a monogram WAG to the bow. This is unusual for this type of item as it cuts through the plate, as the base metal is whitish, doesn't rust and the tongs are quite light, I assume these are plated on Britannia Metal. The plate is in excellent condition. They are 5 3/4 ins long and weigh 1 ounce

Monogrammed Bow

2.

The same firm/family but rather later and a different John Gilbert but this time solid silver and tiny at just 3 ins long

Hallmarked for Birmingham 1898