Expert: Martin G Roberts - 1/8/2008

Question
hello, I bought a box at an auction house (blind box) maybe 15 years ago.  I just found it when moving a storage bin.  It has a collection of pewter tankards 2 large and 1 small and several plates and 1 small bowl.  The tankards have these acorn thumb pieces on the hinge.  Do the acorns represent a certain period or style?  There are marks on the bottoms of the pieces but they vary from piece to piece so I have no clue as to their age.  But I do like the acorns!  Thank you.

Answer
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Twin acorn thumbpieces are found on a variety of types of European and British wares of various dates. However, the most common type seen today is reproduction ware. If the thumbpieces are single acorns rather than twin, they are definitely reproduction.

If you have photos, send them to stynt@btopenworld.com and I can give a more certain appraisal.

Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk