Expert: Martin G Roberts - 11/13/2008

Question
Hi, I have what seems to be a pewter bee hive shaped pot with the name James Dixon & Sons, Sheffield marked on the bottom along with the number 1127, can you shed any light on how old this is and is it worth anything?
regards,


Answer
-

Hello Peter,

What you have there is a box made of Britannia metal, a pewter alloy used in making pieces from sheet metal rather than casting. It was made in Sheffield, England, by the most prolific maker of Britannia metal, probably around 1900. However, Dixon's used the "& Sons" mark from the 1830s until they closed in the 1970s, so it could be earlier or later. 1127 is the pattern number, though these are not documented so do not help with dating.

I have seen these things described as desk tidies, but, while you do not describe the interior design, I do wonder if these are in fact honey pots. That seems logical, at least!

As to value, it is quite a common object, not especially ancient, and made of a metal (Britannia metal) that collectors do not generally pursue. So if in excellent condition it will be worth less than 50 dollars / 30 pounds, and perhaps considerably less. Any damage will reduce that value much further.

Hope that helps.

Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk