Expert: Martin G Roberts - 10/14/2006

Question
I am attempting to find the history of a 12 inch diameter antique pewter plate or charger.  On the underside in the center, there are two fleur de leis with letters underneath them.  One has an "I" and the other has a "P."  There's also a very worn rose marking, a small animal(possibly a dog) marking, very worn initials SE, and two other worn markings with the name "Ellis."  At some point, it looks like someone wrote or inscribed the words, "Samuel Ellis, Born England 1621.

Could you please tell me anything about the history of this plate or charger?

Thanks  

Answer
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Samuel Ellis was a prolific London pewterer who worked from 1721 til 1765, and died in 1772. His wares are very, very common, and he exported a great deal to N America. The IP is ownership initials - the fleur-de-lis is actually a crown - it was common for British pewterers to use crowned letter punches for ownership stamps, the crown has no significance.

Charger is a term collectors use for pieces 18" diameter or larger. Over 12" up to 18" is a dish. 12" or less is a plate.

So this is a perfectly ordinary plate by Ellis, first owned by someone with the initials IP, probably made sometime around 1730-60.

Good luck on eBay.

Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk