Expert: Martin G Roberts - 2/2/2009

Question
Is it possible to estimate the age on a stein/tankard with a scroll handle, and lidded - it's labelled "Viners of Sheffield" , "English Pewter", "Made in England"; these are encircling the bottom of the piece.

Answer
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This is probably a mug, assuming it is lidless. Tankards are lidded vessels, stein is a German word that has no meaning in relation to British pewter.

Viners were making or retailing mugs with these marks in the mid-late 20th Century, for use as souvenirs, giftware and prizeware. Not earlier than about 1960, perhaps as late as the mid 1970s.

Hope that helps.

Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk