Doe and Hope

Description

The English electro-silver plated and pottery lined preserve pot, raised on a plated stand, the lid with a honeybee finial and hallmarked for James Dixon & Sons, Sheffield, c.1855-91, to three bun feet and surviving from the third quarter of nineteenth century England.

The piece is intact and complete, with the silver plate being rubbed and worn with the base metal mount showing through, the pottery body is good but has got wear to the glaze as photographed. We have resisted the urge to clean it and it remains very striking.

The hallmarks show for James Dixon & Sons, Sheffield, c.1855-91 though from the classicist revival style of the ceramic liner it is likely to be dating to 1860-70. Dixons were known for designing and making exclusive products. These were used for Sheffield Dignitaries, Royalty, famous people, and wealthy people who wanted something unusual and valuable.

The beautifully puce pink liner is probably Stoke made and the transferred decoration is in the Pratt style of the bear grease and toothpaste boxes.

With the classical decoration and colour very much on trend this is a really attractive piece.