Expert: Martin G Roberts - 11/8/2008

Question
I have a Antique Pewter Coffee Pot (8" Height to lip) Top of body is outcurved and shaped.  Plain body widens and then incurves onto plinth base with four feet.  Lid is sunken into the top and has a flower knop.  Made by Shaw & Fisher of Sheffield c. 1830-1845  Can you give me a value range in the market place?  Many thanks!

Answer
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Hello Tish,

Shaw & Fisher certainly started in 1830, but they were operating much later than 1845 - they were active until about 1894, and from the description I would say your coffee pot is more likely 1850-1870.

It is made of Britannia metal, a pewter alloy used in fabricating pieces from sheet metal rather than casting.

Britannia metal is not very popular with collectors, and Shaw & Fisher coffee pots are fairly common, so any value lies in the decorative effect. Unfortunately, pewter is not popular as decor at present. If in excellent condition, value will be around 20-50 dollars / 10-25 pounds. Any damage, or a scaled surface will significantly impact that value.

Hope that helps.

Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk