Expert: Martin G Roberts - 1/6/2009

Question
I have a teapot and creamer that came to us from an aunt's estate in New England.  The creamer is unmarked but the teapot is stamped on the bottom "Dixon and Son(s), 1828, 97, 6, and initials that I can't make out because of the way they are formed.  It is large and has a wooden handle that is broken from the piece.  I am just looking for information on the piece as far as when it was made and where and if it has any value other than as a memento.  Thank you.

Answer
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The teapot was made by James Dixon and Sons in Sheffield, England. This particular variation of their mark was used 1835 to about 1841. 1828 is a pattern number. 97 probably is the workman's or workbench number identifying who in the factory made it, and 6 may be the capacity in Imperial half-pints (which does suggest a large teapot, conforming with your description).

This is a fairly early Dixon piece, but they were very prolific and their wares are now very, very common. Vast quantities of their products were exported to New England in the 19th Century, though they were also exported by the antiques trades in the 20th Century. Combined with the damage, the value will be very modest.

The teapot is made of Britannia metal, a pewter alloy used in constructing from sheet rather than casting.

As the creamer is not marked, it may or may not belong with the teapot. It is unusual for teasets to remain together for that length of time, so one can never exclude the possibility that they have been 'married' at a later date.

Hope that helps.

Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk