Antique 18th Century Wrought Iron Scissor Hot Ember Tongs; Fireplace Hearth Coal Tool; Blacksmith Forged

Genuine antique wrought iron ember tongs in well-preserved condition. They measure 17 1/4 inches long and 3 1/8 inches at their widest, when closed, and are a fine example of 18th Century utility ironwork. Tongs such as these were used for many different purposes and were an important hearth tool. The scissor style of the piece allowed for picking up a small burning ember from the open fireplace to transfer to a stove or another fireplace start another fire. Sometimes tongs like this were used get a burning coal to ignite the bowl of a long-stemmed tobacco pipe. The blacksmith who forged this piece spent extra time forming the finger loops, each unique and not an exact match to the other, giving this tool a bit of a whimisical look. It has an old, uncleaned patina with minor surface rust. Didn't see a blacksmith marking but it could very well be hidden under the centuries of grime and surface dirt. Primitive and loaded with character, and just as we found them! One of the earliest items we have ever had available!