This is a superb pair of sugar tongs. The embossed motif is very rarely seen. The only other pair I have seen were also made by Exeter makers Francis Parsons & Stephen Crees. These tongs are also engraved with a delightful diagonal line engraved pattern. Notice that the style & quality of the work of these tongs is much superior to that of Parsons & Crees. From the shape of the Lion & Duty mark, I have dated them at c1790.

Click here to see embossed tongs by Francis Parsons & Stephen Crees