Expert: Martin G Roberts - 12/21/2006

Question
I have a single Pewter candlestick that is marked on the bottom center with a crown over an X. On one side is a shield with what appears to be a man at work at a bench. Under that is James Yates, LONDON pewter England. On the other side is a shield with three round marks across it. next to that shield is another mark, smaller and may be a boat or a scene with people. On the other side of that is a squarish looking P. Thanks for your help and Merry Christmas! My wife wanted to throw this item away but I like it. Thanks again! Thomas

Answer
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James Yates was a late 19th Century Birmingham, England, pewterer, but his name was later used as a brand name by successor firms in the 20th Century. Your candlestick is by one of these later firms, possibly James Smellie, who was active in Birmingham in the 1970s and 1980s.