Expert: Martin G Roberts - 11/12/2007

Question
Hi Martin, we have a pewter dish in the shape of a leaf, looks like maybe ivy, that measures about 6-1/2" x 5-1/2", has a finger type handle with what looks like grapes on it, kind of art nouveau in design.  It says on the bottom, "Made in Belgium," "tin 92% etain," and a mark which looks like a winged dragon or griffin over a shield or crown, with 95% going up the left side of the shield.  Can you identify maker and age for us?  We can send pix if you need them.

Answer
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Records of 20th Century maker's marks are poor, especially for Continental Europe, so I cannot assist as to maker. But it probably dates around 1950 or later, as % tin marks are recent introductions. Etain is just French for tin, which is their word for pewter.

Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk