AboutMartin Roberts Expertise Antique base metalware, principally BRITISH PEWTER. Expertise is in pre-1900 functional wares, NOT the decorative arts, Arts & Crafts, Art Deco or Art Nouveau - none of these are of interest to me, and questions related to such items will receive curt responses.
Before asking a question, try exploring some of the information on my website: www.antique-metalware.co.uk. The `Useful Links` page contains all sorts of pertinent information.
Experience A collector for 10 years, and a dealer for 4 years. Proprietor of the AntiqueMetalware website: www.antique-metalware.co.uk
Organizations The Pewter Society (UK); The Pewter Collectors' Club of America.
Expert: Martin Roberts Date: 4/17/2004 Subject: Antique Brewing pot?
Question Hi,
I have a large covered copper item on an iron stand, which is about 4' tall including the stand. The know on the top is brass. The inside of the pot is tin and the pot has a 'flue' extending from the bottom with a brass spigot. The only identifying mark is on that spigot. It says "Loftus, London". It was supposedly purchased in Scotland, leading the seller to think it had to do with the scotch distilling business. I can find few references to "Loftus London" and they had to do with sacchrometers. Any information would be appreciated.
Thank you for your time!
Answer -
Hello, and apologies for the delay in replying.
This certainly sounds like an interesting object. From the description, I cannot be certain of its function, but the following I can confirm:
1. the general form strongly suggests an association with either brewing or distilling.
2. WR Loftus was a large firm of pewterers, beer engine manufacturers and bar fitters, working in London between about 1860 and 1940. They worked from several different addresses, including Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Street. As a pewter dealer, I frequently encounter their pewter mugs and measures.
This object sounds like the kind of thing Loftus would have been making, and I would love to see a photo if that is possible. If you have a digital camera, I would be grateful for a photo e-mailed to: stynt@btopenworld.com, I will then forward my thoughts having seen the image.
