Another useful, quality addition to a collection... Victorian, travelling (folding) curling tongs in the original box with spirit-powered heater. Seemingly rare in that not only is this set complete and in good condition for its age, but also has sterling silver collars to the handles - most were rather plainer, steel affairs judging by the survivors that appear occasionally. 

Bears the EP Paris maker mark (though the E looks more like an F), with a probably nickel-plated brass box judging by the wear next to the spirit container. Tongs fold up as shown to fit inside the box, which has folding supports as shown to rest the tongs on whilst heating up / inbetween curls. Wicks and pads are still in situ within the spirit container, so in theory it should still all work. 

The folding tongs have "ivorine" (early Bakelite) handles and sterling silver collars; the marks show "SF" (the serifs are indistinct but we think more likely to be Samuel Freeman than Samuel Foskett), the sterling lion, a rather worn leopard's head for London, and serifed b on backgrounds that match 1897. The tongs are imprinted with a "2", so presumably different sizes were available, and measure 22cm in length extended with a 6cm crimping length. Tongs still fold and click out into the locked usage position as originally designed.  

The entire set weighs around 560g. Both outside and inside of box have marks from wear and usage by its very nature as a travelling set, as do the spirit container and tongs - the steel part has light corrosion as expected from something experienceing heat and moisture on a regular basis. And the box's opening button lost its spring some time ago, so doesn't lock shut as intended. That said, these are in good condition for nearly 130 years old, they wouldn't have been cheap when purchased, and someone clearly looked after them.

As a final point, we don't know where these were made - an Anglo-French collaboration? - so have put down United Kingdom for eBay's customs / postal requirements. Anyway, they'll be shipped from England! 

Item will be sent by Royal Mail 48 hr insured and tracked. 

NB Please note that the time-frames given by both Royal Mail and couriers should be taken as guidelines only, so we would please ask that you allow up to 7 days (UK mainland) for delivery before contacting us should your parcel not arrive promptly. 

Should things not work out as planned then please let us know immediately, and we will endeavour to resolve matters as quickly as possible. Very occasionally the odd parcel "disappears" - which is why proof of posting and/or tracking is always obtained.  

Condition: We try our best to accurately describe the item's condition, however please note that used items will always have small flaws or marks that we may have missed, and are sold without warranty as to their functioning unless stated otherwise.

Packaging: Items will be well-packaged, and we (re)use recycled materials wherever possible.

Despatch: Though stated as within 3 days of payment, we will endeavour to send out next day wherever possible.

Delivery: Items may be sent by Royal Mail 2nd class, Royal Mail 48 hr delivery or 72 hour courier (proof of sending is always obtained). If you buy more than one item, please contact us prior to payment and we'll combine delivery costs, sending a revised invoice to pay against. 

Returns Procedure: We hope that you like what you've bought, but if you need to return an item then we'll keep things simple: 

• Firstly, please contact us by email or eBay message before returning anything otherwise we cannot accept it. There is an established eBay process that both of us need to follow, but we'll respond to your initial message and agree a course of action as quickly as possible (which may take the form of refund or replacement / exchange if we have another in stock). 
• Returned items can ONLY be accepted if they are in the same condition & packaging that you received them in, or are genuinely faulty. We cannot take back items that have been fitted, have parts missing, or are unsaleable.
• The cost of return will need to be paid by you (and proof of despatch sought) unless previously agreed otherwise.
• Returned items must be returned to our returns address no later than 30 days after the despatch date unless we have previously agreed otherwise.