Expert: Martin G Roberts - 12/11/2007

Question
Hi -

Hope you can help - I have what I think is a English pewter measure of quart capacity.  It is marked "James Yates" and "Quart" to the right of the handle, and "Quart" again on the front lip.  It also has a mark "VR464", what I was told was a "1826" mark, and a "G-IV" to the left of the handle.  

So was this made in 1826?  Is it worth the $54 I paid for it (kind of battered a bit)?  Is there anything else you might tell me about the above observations?  It's going to be a Christmas gift so any info I can pass on is appreciated.

Grateful thanks in advance!

Frank


Answer
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Made in Birmingham, England. James Yates was a very prolific maker, so his pieces are common. He worked on his own account 1860-81, and the trade name continued to be used by successor firms after 1881. VR464 is a verification mark (confirming that the pot measures one quart Imperial) for Wiltshire - this mark did not come into use until 1884. So about 1880 would seem a sensible estimate for the date of manufacture.

The 1826 mark, and GIV (which would be for George IV, and would date 1826-30), are both too early for this piece. But in the early 20th Century some unscrupulous antiques dealers were applying fake verification marks to authentic pieces to embellish them - much of this embellished pewter was exported to North America in the antiques trade. Many of these pieces now turn up for sale in North America, and on eBay.

I fear you have one of these pieces. Without the fake verifications, it is probably worth the money you paid. It is hard to say what effect the fake marks have, but, for those who recognise them, they certainly do not enhance the value.

Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk