Expert: Martin G Roberts - 3/10/2005

Question
Hello Martin,I recently bought a small 4" pewter plate via the internet and now seeing it'for real'i am not sure of it's authenticity.It seems to feel a lot heavier and more solid than any of my other pewter with a harder less worn feel? It has the following marks on the bottom..an X with what looks like three upside down v's above it and a wiggly crown like line running along the top of them.The next mark is a B&P with two straight lines with a dotted line between them both above and below the letters.And finally what looks like either a lions or dragons head with a flowing mane below it.I would be really grateful if you could enlighten me to it's age.
          Many thanks,  Martin.  

Answer
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This is a reproduction made sometime around 1930-50. They are very common, and were originally made as decorative pieces, not intended to deceive. But they are frequently sold as authentic. The marks are well known as poor copies of typical English 18th century marks (these particular marks are a weak effort to copy those of Bush & Perkins of Bristol).

Perhaps half of all the plates appearing on eBay are repro, even those sold by vendors claiming to have some expertise!

Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk