Expert: Martin G Roberts - 2/4/2009

Question
I am trying to set a value on a set of charger plates and goblets made by James Yates. They were purchased in London around 1975. They are marked "made in England" "LONDON" "James Yates" with a crown and an X.
Thank you.

Answer
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Hello Mary,

James Yates was making pewter in Birmingham, England, in the late 19th Century. However, his tradename continued to be used by successor firms until the late 20th Century. Because your pieces are marked "Made in England", they cannot date from the 19th Century - these are modern reproductions, probably made by Gaskell & Chambers in Birmingham in the mid 20th Century. They may have been brand new when purchased in 1975.

As reproductions they are of no interest to collectors - they are purely decorative pieces (or else pieces that could be used for their obvious purpose), and of very modest value. You don't say how many you have of each, but individually each plate or cup would be worth no more than 5 pounds / 10 dollars, and probably considerably less.

Hope that helps.

Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk