Expert: Martin G Roberts - 3/22/2006

Question
I am not sure on where to start searching. I was given an old candlestick holder.

It has two kangaroos,one on either side joined by a vine and some flowers, on top of this in the centre is a slot I guess for a candle. So to me it seems it was made in Australia. I am though unsure if it silver or pewter or a mixture of both.

On the bottom of this item is a stamp/company logo. It has a trumpet/bugle with a small flag attached below. It also has some letters and numbers under this. J D & S EPBM 8914

I have been told it was made by James Dixon & Sons.Sheffield.U.K.

I would like to know of its age & its value. I would prefer accurate but an approximation would just fine. Or any other information you may be able to share about my candlestick holder.

If you need a picture of the item for a better assessment please ask and I will forward one off.

Regards Rachel

Answer
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Yep, James Dixon and Sons, Sheffield, England. Dating around 1900. EPBM = electroplated Britannia metal, a cheap silver plate. BM is a pewter alloy used in fabricating objects by rolling, stamping, etc rather than casting. 8914 will be the pattern number.

Not desirable or collectable - EPBM is widely despised. Value is pennies.