2 Antique 19th Century English Pewter Salt Cellars James Dixon & Sons 3"

Description

Pair of mid 19th century pewter pedestal style salt cellars / dishes. One by James Dixson & Sons, number 38 / 436. One unmarked.

"J Dixon & Sons (James Dixon & Sons), originally founded 1806 by James Dixon (1776-1852) and Thomas Smith in Sheffield as Dixon and Smith, was one of the major British manufacturers of the Industrial Revolution. They were manufacturers of pewterware, electroplated Britannia metal, silverware and electroplated nickel silver. Their products included hundreds of items for use in the kitchen (e.g. bowls, cutting-tools) and the dining room (e.g. tea services, cocktail shakers and mixers) as well as items such as candlesticks. Around 1823-1825 William Frederick Dixon (1802-1871), the eldest son of James, joined the firm when he was 21 years old and Thomas Smith withdrew. In 1830, the firm began making silver and plated goods at Cornish Place by acquiring the firm Nicholson, Ashforth and Cutts. Later, the business of Mr Batty, of Tenter Street in Sheffield was also acquired, adding the manufacture of powder flasks to the firms output.They were a world leader in manufacturing shooting accessories through nineteenth century and exported powder flasks in large quantities to America. When the second son, James Willis Dixon (1813-1876), joined the business in 1835, the firm’s name was changed again to what it is still known as today, James Dixon and Sons (JD&S). In 1836, the firm began to make spoons and forks from nickel silver - an alloy of nickel, copper and zinc. James Dixon, the founder, retired in 1842 leaving three sons, William Frederick, James Willis and Henry Isaac (1820-1912), together with his son-in-law, William Fawcett, to run the business.They were also known as whistle makers, which like most of their products were of outstanding quality; they were one of the 4 great whistle makers, the others being W Dowler & Sons, J Stevens & Son & T Yates. Their registered trade mark since 1879 was a Trumpet with a Banner hanging from it. Although registered in 1879, the "Trumpet with Banner" logo was used at times before registration and appears on some of their silver plate pieces. They were one of the foremost names in EPNS and sterling silver tableware including silver tea services and hollowware pieces. They also made silverware serving pieces and had a wide catalogue of patterns. They were also famous for their sporting trophies. The firm continued to be a family run enterprise as James Dixon and Sons Ltd from 1920 until 1976 with the death of Milo Dixon. The next few years saw changes in ownership, with stability finally arriving in 1994 when the company was accquired by the Solpro Group, owned by Mr. Paul Tear. As a past Master Cutler, Mr. Tear had a determination to keep the traditional skills and quality of James Dixion and Sons alive to ensure its continuence into the 21st century. Today the company is run by his daughter Jackie. Today their craftsmen are honoured to maintain the traditional techniques of their forefathers, complimented by modern day practices. Creating stunning bespoke silverware to the highest standard, the artisan craftsmen pride themselves on the classic and contemporary designs they produce. Every aspect of the process is completed in their Sheffield workshops from sand buffing, silver plating and engraving." (Source: James Dixon & Sons / Wikipedia)

Condition

Good Overall - Gentle wear/tarnish

Dimensions

3.25" x 1.5" (Diameter x Height)