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Hi Martin,
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I recently inherited from my aging mother, two pewter items that I have no idea about.
She is in her 90's and no longer able to advise as to their origin or history. I am hoping that you may be able to advise as to what they actually are and secondly; if they are of any value. The attached photos may be of some help as may be the writing on the base of them.
There are two of them, with what appears to be a crown, underneath is an X and underneath that JAMES YATES and under that name- BIRMINGHAM.
I know Mum spent her early days in England and then migrated to Australia in 1949.
An approximate value would be of interest, but more importantly, what are they as we are totally mystified!!
Any help or advise would be much appreciated.
Enjoy your Summer over there.
Cheers
Mike
(Not sure if I attached the photos in the right way)
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Only one item is showing in the photo, as only one photo can be attached to a question. I shall comment on the one in the photo I can see.
This is a food mould, used in creating decorative displays of mouldable foodstuffs, such as ice cream, blancmange, etc. This style is referred to as a pillar mould. They became very popular in the late 19th Century, when ice-cream making machines became a fairly common kitchen accessory. For banquests, elaborate confections were constructed using many different moulds.
The maker was indeed from Birmingham, England. He worked on his own account around 1860-81 (having worked in partnership with others from the 1830s); after his death his tradename continued in use until about 1900 (and then again much later, but that doesn't matter in this case). Yates was very prolific; he made pubwares (mugs, measures, etc.) in vast quantities, and exported huge numbers to Australia, amongst other places. As a result, pubwares by him are exceedingly common. However, food moulds by Yates are not often seen.
It is possible such a mould would have been originally exported to Australia. However, the surface patination suggests to me that it resided in Britain for at least the first few decades of its life. Your relation may have acquired it in Britain, or else it could have found its way to Australia through the antiques trade.
Moulds like this are really rather collectible, and this looks to be quite a good example (provided the removeable base is present, which is not clear from the photo), dating around 1880, so do look after it. And please DO NOT attempt to clean it - you would risk damaging a desirable patination.
Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk
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Martin G Roberts
Expertise
Pewter of the 19th Century and earlier from the British Isles and Ireland. I can comment on origin, date, rarity, and value. I cannot give detailed information on 'art' metalware, Art Deco, Art Nouveau or Arts & Crafts metalware. See my website for more information: www.antique-metalware.co.uk.
Experience
A collector for twelve years and a dealer for seven.
Publications
Journal of the Pewter Society
Pewter Society Newsletter
Bulletin of the Pewter Collectors' Club of America
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