Recently seen in a provincial saleroom was this example of early Tea Tongs marked for Pierre Maingy, a goldsmith who worked in Guernsey between 1739 and 1776.

In Richard Mayne's book  "Channel Island Silver" examples of his work and marks can be seen on pages 127 to 129.

Two pairs of 'sugar nips' (sic) are recorded for him; it will be seen that the engraving on this pair is very similar to that illustrated on page 128 - particularly the 'jailbird's arrow' at the start and finish of the engraved letters.

Images of the maker's mark and the engraving may be seen on the following page by clicking on the Further Images' button.

The unusual shape of these tongs hints at a provincial origin, whilst the interlocking rectangular hinge smacks of an early date.