i took the tongs to a fine silver dealer this morning. and had it looked at. they were manufactured in the 1880's by community silver. it is 100 percent pure silver not sterling. he estimated the value at about 4-6 hundred as antique and silver value. there is a unique stamping on the upper handle that is a hawk but ptimative looking. sorry i could not get a pic on here. it was to close to the end of the auction.