Expert: Martin G Roberts - 1/27/2008

Question
Hi I have a small mug made by James Dixon & sons with # 484 and the bugle  mark also ()  and is marked BIRKS. So I know it was purchased in Canada not sure what it is made of. I thought it was pewter as it is quite heavy and shaped like a small beer stein with a square handle. the finish is quite matte.Anything you could tell me about this would be greatly appreciated thank you

Answer
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Made in Sheffield, England, by the most prolific maker whose wares are very, very common. The marks date anytime from the late 19th Century to the 1970s. Made of Britannia metal, a pewter alloy formulated for fabrication (spinning, rolling, stamping, etc) rather than casting. It is a mug - stein is a German word for a lidded tankard.

Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk