Expert: Martin G Roberts - 11/8/2006

Question
Hi Martin
I wonder if you can help. I am trying to find out about a pewter mug (thought it was a tankered but it has no lid)which I have recently acquired. Have searched the internet but not able to find anything. Nothing much to go on. It has a mark on the base W M with an oval in between and some small design under the we and the am. Under neath that are 4 marks all very worn. The first completely, the second looks like a shield shape with something in it. The third is a shield with what looks like 3 dots a third of the way down and the fourth is indecipherable as well. Underneath that it says very clearly ENGLAND in very small block capitals. Theres not much to go on really. The mug holds one pint, is divided into 3 horizontal sections with a slight waist in the middle. It has a very ornate handle with a leaf along the top curled to give a good grip for the thumb. Sorry not very good at explaining. Can you tell me anything about it?

Answer
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Your description is good, but it brings bad news. This form is a well known product of reproduction pewter manufacturers of the mid 20th century, though this particular shape is not reproducing anything in particular. The small shield shaped marks are copies of c1800 marks used by pewterers in Bewdley.

Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk