Hand-forged Cannonball Iron Tongs, c. 1775

American RevolutionRevolutionary War Era Artillery Cannonball Tongs

c. 1775, Revolutionary War Era, Hand-forged Iron Tongs, Choice Fine.
17” tall x 8” wide. An amazing fully original device for picking up heavy cannon or mortar shells. Two pivets allow the hand grips to operate the pointed ends... and it still works, extending and retracting freely! Even overall light rust and natural patina, as expected. A rare piece of military history which seems as though it should be worth well in excess of our estimate range.