Expert: Martin G Roberts - 2/11/2007

Question
Hi, I came across this old pewter candle stick holder with the name James Dixon & Sons, Sheffield on it, it has EPBM 8207 underneath it. I was wondering if you could tell me roughly how old it would be? i have never heard of this company. It has 3 medium sized leaves and 3 small leaves as decoration and a small handle (big enough for 1 finger to hold it). Any info you have would be greatly appreciated. Thankyou.

Answer
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Dixon's were based in Sheffield, England, and were prolific manufacturers of metalwares.

EPBM = electroplated Britannia metal, a cheap silver substitute. BM is a pewter alloy formulated for ease of fabrication (i.e. rolling, stamping, spinning, etc, instead of casting).

8207 is a pattern number.

Dates around 1900. Fairly common. Value just a few tens of dollars if in good condition. Damage or wear to plating will reduce that to less than 10 dollars.