One can never be sure about the maker’s mark “IB”.  I have ascribed these tongs to John Blake because he is the most likely maker of this date. 

John Blake registered his first mark on 5^th September 1788 as a small-worker.  He registered other marks up to 1803 and was the father of John William Blake and husband to Sarah Blake, who registered a mark together on 15^th June 1809, presumably on John’s death.  He was therefore a known maker of sugar tongs.

Click here to see tongs by Sarah & John William Blake

Click here to see some John Blake maker's marks