James Harmar registered just one mark, as a small-worker on 9^th April 1761. In the 1773 parliamentary list he appeared as a buckle-maker, but Heal records him as a silver-smith in 1747. This mark may also be that of John Hardy who registered a mark on 6^th October 1762, but he was recorded as a watchcase-maker in the 1773 parliamentary report.

These are a pair of plain beaded & thread edge tongs. They are particularly interesting as they were bought with another (almost) identical pair of tongs that show the same crest. The other pair of tongs were made by George Smith III c1784. It is perfectly acceptable for a maker to produce a pair of tongs and not have them hallmarked, if there is no intention to sell them. It seems that these were probably a special commission for the family. Which were made first, these or the George Smith pair? They are dated c1784.

Click here to see the George Smith III tongs