Expert: Martin G Roberts - 3/9/2009

Question
The flask has an ornate celtic design on one face, poss from Book of
Kells/Lindisfarne Gospels. The small base has date 1883 centrally placed, below
are the words "English Pewter". Above it are the words "Wm W1220p or 1880p"
The letter "W" are very ornate. Would be grateful for any info u can provide.
Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Answer
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Hello Stuart,

Your flask is a modern piece, made in Sheffield by any one of several different firms who used (and still use) the label "English Pewter". The various letters and numbers, including 1883, relate to patterns (the shape, the incised design, etc.). The design is applied from a flat master plate - the body of the flask starts as a flat sheet, which is sandwiched with the master pattern and fed through a roller press. After that the body is formed using various fabrication techniques.

Hope that helps.

Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk