Victorian Sterling Silver Lidded Tankard or Mustard Pot by James Deakin & Sons
Hollowware (Tankard/Mustard Pot) · James Deakin & Sons (JD&S). Founded in 1865 in Sheffield, England. They were a prolific firm of manufacturing silversmiths with showrooms in London, Glasgow, and Belfast.
Pattern: Plain Tapered Georgian Style; undecorated minimalist design with a flat lid and scroll handle.
Type
Hollowware (Tankard/Mustard Pot)
Maker
James Deakin & Sons (JD&S). Founded in 1865 in Sheffield, England. They were a prolific firm of manufacturing silversmiths with showrooms in London, Glasgow, and Belfast.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid throughout with no base metal visible.
Dimensions
Estimated height of 3.5 to 5 inches. Weight is likely between 150g to 250g depending on interior capacity.
Description
An elegant, minimalist sterling silver lidded vessel. Its tapered body and simple lines emphasize the quality of the metal over ornate decoration, reflecting the transition from Victorian excess to cleaner Edwardian lines.
Key Features
High-placed Sheffield hallmarks on the exterior body; heavy double-scroll handle; flat-topped lid with scrolled thumbpiece; tapered cylindrical form.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid throughout with no base metal visible.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with natural aged patina and heavy tarnish. The design is Neoclassical in simplicity, featuring a step-lid and a thumbpiece on a double-scroll handle.
Hallmarks & Stamps
British Hallmarks. 'JD&S' (Maker's Mark for James Deakin & Sons), Crown (Sheffield Assay Office), Lion Passant (English Sterling Silver standard), and the date letter 'p' (likely 1907 or 1932 depending on font shield shape).
Construction Details
Raised and seamed body with a hand-soldered double-scroll handle. The lid is attached with a five-part knuckle hinge including a thumbpiece.
Functional Features
Hinged lid for contents protection; ergonomic double-scroll handle for easy lifting; wide base for stability; flared rim.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver double-scroll (C-scroll) handle. Solder-attached at the top rim and нижней side wall. Integrated thumbpiece on the hinge.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent commercial-grade silver work. The hinge is well-fitted with no gaps; the hallmark strike is deep and even; the handle curve is symmetrical and balanced.
Authentication Indicators
Clear, crisp hallmarks struck on the exterior wall; correct alignment of the Lion Passant; appropriate wear on the thumbpiece and bottom edge; hand-soldered hinge assembly.
Origin & Manufacturing
Sheffield, England. Sheffield was the global hub for silverware production known for high-quality silver plate and sterling hollowware.
Era & Period
Late Victorian/Edwardian Era (c. 1890-1910). This period combined historical revival (Georgian shapes) with industrial manufacturing precision.
Age Estimate
Circa 1907. Based on the James Deakin & Sons mark and the Sheffield date letter 'p' in a pointed shield.
Cultural Significance
Such vessels were staples of the British dining table, used for beer (tankards) or condiments (mustard pots) to show off the household's wealth and adherence to formal dining etiquette.
Condition Notes
Good antique condition. Shows heavy surface tarnish (sulfide deposits) that can be removed. Scratches indicative of frequent use. No major dents or structural breaks visible. Condition Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
$250 - $450 USD. Value is driven by sterling weight and the reputable Sheffield maker's mark.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver foam (e.g., Wright's). Avoid abrasive cloths. Use a soft horsehair brush for the hinge area. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Mappin & Webb tapered tankards (often more ornate); Walker & Hall Georgian-revival mustard pots (often smaller with blue glass liners).
Interesting Facts
James Deakin & Sons was a family-run business that survived for over a century, noted for providing high-quality domestic silver to the rising middle class of the UK.