Expert: Martin G Roberts - 4/23/2008

Question
I have a john dixon & sons vase with the marks EPBM. Underneath thoose marks are 8118. Ditto the number 7.Can you tell me moore about this vase which stands around 7&a half inch tall, and would this be woth anything at all,many thanks debby

Answer
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I think you'll find it's JAMES Dixon and Sons. Made in Sheffield, England, around 1880-1910. Made of electroplated Britannia metal, BM being a pewter alloy used in fabricating pieces from sheet metal, rather than casting. 8118 is just the pattern number, and 7 is probably the workbench where it was made in the factory.

Dixons output was prolific - their wares are exceedingly common - and it's made of a cheap silver plate. EPBM is widely despised by collectors. So with so much against it, the value will be very small indeed.

Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk