Description
-
Category
Metalware
Medium
brass / gold ??? unsure
Distinguishing marks
hallmarks on inside / unclear hallmark; followed by three star hallmarks; followed by another unclear hallmark
Condition
Excellent
Size and dimensions of this item
tongs are 6 inches long; 5/8 inches wide at the center curve
Date Period
unkown
Weight
slightly over 1 ounce
History
unkown; grandmother collected; no history
Price Paid (If known)
family item
For Sale?
No
Photos
These are commonly referred
These are commonly referred to as "fiddle back" spoons, that is the wide portion at the opposite end of the spoon itself. They may be of British origin, but they certainly are not plated Silver or Sterling silver as the hallmarking used for such products was very strict as mandated by the British Assay office in London. I would say they have been electroplated with a fine coating of gold and the marks are consistent with this type of production in flatware as you can also seen on products such as EPNS (Electro Plated Nickel Silver) or EPBM (Electro Plated Britania Metal) or EP (Electro Plated Silver on Copper).  The British used marks that were predominantly stamped within a box or oval outline etc, such as yours. However, the American manufacturers quite often marked their Metal products with individual punched letters or a factory mark set on a dye. I hope this helps. Type into any search engine the following suggestions:
1.   Fiddle back spoon spoon with 3 star marks,
2.    Star hallmarks etc, and see how you go from there
Dean (Matcat010)
Avid Antiques collector
These are not of British
These are not of British origin, Psuedo Hall marking of this type is nearly always of American origin. Value wise, plated silver flatware is very modestly priced these days, tongs like this often sell in $10.00 box lots at auction.
Lovejoy