James Dixon & Sons E.P.B.M. Trumpet-Marked Silver Plate Hollowware Piece
Hollowware · James Dixon & Sons, founded in 1806 in Sheffield, England. This firm was one of the major British manufacturers of the Victorian era, known for high-quality Britannia metal and electroplated nickel silver (EPNS).
Pattern: Standard production hollowware; pattern identified by design number 2406 as seen in firm's internal catalogs.
Type
Hollowware
Maker
James Dixon & Sons, founded in 1806 in Sheffield, England. This firm was one of the major British manufacturers of the Victorian era, known for high-quality Britannia metal and electroplated nickel silver (EPNS).
Material
Electroplated Britannia Metal (E.P.B.M.). This is a base metal alloy composed primarily of tin, antimony, and copper, which has been electroplated with a layer of pure silver.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter 10-15cm based on the scale of the stamps. Weight varies by piece type (likely a bowl or candlestick base), but Britannia metal is characteristically lighter than solid sterling.
Description
A fine example of Victorian industrial silver plate, this piece showcases the 'Trumpet' trademark of James Dixon & Sons. Made from Britannia metal and ensuite silver-plated, it represents the move toward high-quality, durable household goods for the rising middle class during the British industrial boom.
Key Features
The Trumpet/Bugle mark with banner, the E.P.B.M. designation which is distinct from E.P.N.S., and the stamped catalog number 2406.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Britannia Metal (E.P.B.M.). This is a base metal alloy composed primarily of tin, antimony, and copper, which has been electroplated with a layer of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Satin silver finish with concentric circular lathing/turning marks. The design is minimalist and utilitarian, typical of early industrial mass production.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Trumpet with a banner (the trademark of James Dixon & Sons, granted in 1879), the initials 'JD & S', 'E.P.B.M.' (Electro Plated Britannia Metal), and the pattern/design number '2406'.
Construction Details
Spun or stamped Britannia metal. The concentric rings indicate the piece was likely formed on a lathe or by spinning a flat sheet over a chuck.
Functional Features
Stable circular base, likely designed for a candlestick, small bowl, or tea accessory. Includes a central depression for structural support.
Handle & Grip Details
None visible in the provided image of the base.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-facilitated production with hand-finished stamping. The precision of the concentric rings demonstrates the high-quality industrial lathes used in Sheffield at the turn of the century.
Authentication Indicators
Clearly struck, authentic late-19th century British manufacturer's marks. The wear pattern is consistent with soft-metal spinning techniques used on Britannia metal.
Origin & Manufacturing
Sheffield, England, specifically at the Cornish Place Works, which was the massive factory complex of James Dixon & Sons.
Era & Period
Late Victorian/Edwardian (circa 1880-1910). The use of the trumpet mark and E.P.B.M. branding reached its peak during this period of industrial expansion.
Age Estimate
Circa 1880-1905. The trumpet mark with the banner generally dates after 1879, and the design number format is consistent with late 19th-century James Dixon logs.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in the 19th century, where electroplating technology allowed common households to own items that mimicked the appearance of solid silver.
Condition Notes
Good condition with visible surface scratches consistent with age and frequent cleaning. No significant 'bleeding' (base metal showing through silver) is visible in the central stamp area.
Value Estimate
$20 - $60 USD. Silver plated Britannia metal generally holds lower market value than Sterling Silver or high-grade EPNS (Nickel Silver) pieces.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water; use non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's). Avoid over-polishing as the silver layer on Britannia metal is often thin and can be worn away to reveal the dull grey base metal.
Similar Pieces
Walker & Hall electroplate pieces, Elkington & Co. plated hollowware, or Reed & Barton pewter/silver plate. Dixon pieces are distinguished by the unique bugle/trumpet logo.
Interesting Facts
The trumpet mark is one of the most recognized in English plating; James Dixon & Sons were also the makers of the first-ever trophy for the Hahnenkamm ski race and provided silver for the Titanic.