Serpentine Antiques has dated this piece to the 1800s.
With carved wood scroll handle attached with an acanthus leaf fitting, the whole is raised on a footed base.
Made during a period when the silversmith's art was at its height, Old Sheffield Plate is very collectable, as it was a labour intensive process of fusing two sheets of solid silver to a sheet of copper, giving a much thicker coating of silver to the piece than modern alternatives. The sheets were then shaped into designs in the same way as solid silver. It made the solid silver designs of the period more affordable. Made with great care and consideration of design, proportions and ornamentation, it is a lost art. This teapot is an exact copy of one that was made in solid silver, at a fraction of the price. It was an expensive process, which was eventually replaced in the 1840's by the cheaper, quicker and much less labour intensive process of electroplating coatings over finished base alloy objects.
This teapot, having the lovely and incomparable mellow patina of Old Sheffield Plate, has some pale copper showing through in some areas, as well as some wear to the cast parts, giving a very pleasing result.
Marked to the base John Dixon and Son and numbered 1303.
Size-11.25 inches wide (handle to spout), 7 inches diameter, 6 inches high.
Weight-955 grams.
A wonderful piece, with great age, to display.
In very good condition overall, one cannot help but admire its intrinsic beauty, colour, texture, and workmanship.
Serpentine Antiques has dated this piece to the 1800s.
Specialising in unique pieces for the discerning individual, selected and prepared with special care..
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Serpentine Antiques Profile Page
Circa 1825 Wonderful and Decorative Old Sheffield Plate Teapot by James Dixon and Son.
