Expert: Martin G Roberts - 2/20/2009

Question
Hi Martin.

While rumiging in my mothers old house i came accross a inkwell and stand made from English Leadfree Pewter by JD & S and a mark after this of a lamp, i say a lamp after all the trauling i have done over the net, its actually shaped like a playing card suit the clubs.
I am not sure if its James Deakin or James Dixon, the JD & S are all on the same line not one above the other. Under all this is P553, i have googled this but have come up with nothing, could you please tell me anything about this item.

[IMG]http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa217/derbypub/100_1571.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa217/derbypub/100_1553.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa217/derbypub/100_1551.jpg[/IMG]


Answer
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Hello Paul,

An exemplary question - well done with your research, and the photos are just the job. To narrow this down to either Dixons or Deakins is impressive, and you have it right as far as you've got.

The marks in fact belong to James Deakin & Sons who were active 1871 - 1936 from their workshops on Matilda Street, Sheffield, England. The little device after the letter stamps is intended to represent a desk bell, such as you might find on old hotel reception desks - I have no idea why this was adopted by Deakins, and it seems an odd choice.

As you will know if you have looked at some of my earlier answers, I don't much care for early 20th Century pieces, but this inkstand is quite an impressive thing. With some elements of Art Deco style, it must date around 1920.

The appearance of a pewter object by Deakins from that period is of interest, as the records of the Pewter Society suggest they concentrated on electroplated and silver wares in the 20th Century. We have not recorded the ENGLISH LEADLESS PEWTER mark before. I wonder if you would mind if I added the details of the mark and this inkstand to our records to help other collectors in the future?

The P553 mark is the pattern number. These are not recorded, so do not help, though in this case I'm guessing P stands for pewter.

Hope that helps.

Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk