This is a delightful pair of beaded, thread edge tongs. The beading is still in excellent condition, being very sharp and hardly rubbed or worn at all. As well as the usual monogram on the bow, an elaborate "L" they also have the initials "IH" carved inside one arm, right next to the hallmark. The engraving of the "IH" is quite crude whilst the "L" is very well engraved. Clearly these two marks were separately made. I suspect the "L" is original and the "IH" later. Again it is quite unusual to see Hester Bateman tongs of this style, they are far more normally flared bright cut tongs.

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