www.925-1000.com

I wonder if someone could help identify where and when these tongs were made and by whom. I feel sure they are continental, but beyond that I can't pin them down to any particular country.

Thanks in advance.

Is it a number "13"?

You probably need better picture of the mark near de "13".

13 lot = .812 silver purity in German before 1886: http://www.925-1000.com/Fgerman_marks_b1884_5.html

Thanks very much indeed for your fast reply. Yes, it is a number 13, though not punched perfectly. Here's a close-up of the mark next to it:

A shot in the dark...
Martin Spitzelberger ~1760 Landshut Bayern ?

Qrt Do you have a link to see the mentioned info?

I wrote "a shot in the dark" meaning it could be... Anyway, check Rosenberg, II Band, #2983-4. Unfortunately there is nothing more, Rosenberg is guessing too...."vielleicht...". It was a coincident. I was browsing the book for other reasons when I saw your question.

this unicorn mark ist from Schwäbisch Gmünd
I am not sure about Michael Spindler

Theoderich has already posted several unicorn marks Schwäbisch Gmünd 19. Century
http://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=24873

Rosenberg is also mentioning "Vielleicht" for Spindler. See #2196 and #2178. This is difficult...

Well, I would never have identified that as a unicorn's head! Thanks to all for your input so far. It's interesting that this is a further example of the marks shown in viewtopic.php?t=24873, with the striations across the mark. I'm keen to see whether the maker can be tracked down conclusively. My view would be that this is a 19th century piece, rather than 18th century, which also seems to be the way the suggestions are going.

I agree with Theoderich but still with the info you guys posted, the owner should have a good idea and that´s the most important part.