William Cripps

Makers mark Entered 1746

These tongs are exquisite. As well as the casting and piercing they have bright cut engraving on the strap-work and the bow. Cripps is noted in Jackson for the quality of his work and this supports him as the maker, though it is possible they are William Chatterton. In perfect condition the lion passant bridges the joint between the arms and the bow on one side, proving the join is original not a repair. The join on the other side is less obvious, but is just visible above the makers mark - see above. The lion passant stamp has a rounded bottom indicating it was pre 1756 (and should be pre 1740) unless it is not a London piece. The bow has a monogram of  F over M R which is very crude and amateur looking. It was probably done at a later date and definitely by a different hand! Amazing that someone should have subjected such an outstanding piece to such inferior engraving. Weight: 1 1/4 oz, Length: 5 1/2 ins

Lion passant- flat bottom stamp - very curly tail                                        Monogram to bow- crude engraving