A superb pair of George III sugar tongs, bright cut with an ornate design and in wonderful condition. 

The tongs are 5.75" (14.5cms) in length and are weighty.  They bear clear hallmarks indicating the George III duty mark, the sterling silver lion passant and the manufacturer's initials - IL over IR for John Langlands and John Robertson.  There does not appear to be a date letter or town mark but the Newcastle silversmiths, Langlands & Robertson, operated during the latter part of the 18th Century. 

The tongs bear the initials STA on the bow.