Antique Georgian silver sugar tongs

There are several Sheffield makers with the initials IW.  This means that we cannot be absolutely sure when we see the maker’s mark IW.  The makers are:

 

Joseph Wilson, October 4th 1773

Jonathan Watkinson, October 3rd 1776

John Wright, October 12th 1789

John Wilkinson, March 18th 1790

John Watson, September 24th 1795

 

This particular pair of tongs is dated 1799 and is fairly plain with a light feather edge.  given the date, they are likely to be either John Watson or John Wilkinson.

 

Click on any picture to enlarge