This was found at a thrift store and is marked "James Dixon and Sons Sheffield" on the pan. It is also marked "hard soldered". The handle is wooden, and it unscrews much like a chafing dish handle would. The pan itself is very much like a skillet or frying pan, not typical of a chafing dish pan which is usually much deeper. The skillet measures 10" across and is about 2" deep if you measure to the rim. The lid is not marked James Dixon and Sons but has a few hard-to-read markings that are visible when you remove the handle. Someone indicated that the "D" indicates it was made in 1878. There is one small mark on the pan that is rather hard to photograph, and I am not sure if it is a hallmark or a flaw in the manufacturing process. The lid fits perfectly, however, I have no way of knowing if it started life with this pan or not. I have had no luck finding another skillet/frying pan-shaped item marked James Dixon and Sons. It was also suggested it may have been used in a restaurant/hotel for tableside prep which would make sense to me based on shape and size. If anyone has any idea what I may have here I would be most appreciative!
Description
Category
Silver and Silver Overlay
Medium
It appears to be silver plated but it is not marked as such that I can see. The bottom shows wear from use (and marks from tape that Goodwill had wrapped around the lid and pan). The handle is wood.
Distinguishing marks
Hallmark of James Dixon and Sons. Marked hard soldered and possibly has a mark that appears to resemble an animal but maybe a flaw in manufacturing. The inside of the lid has several hard-to-read markings including the letter I, D and the number 20.
Condition
Excellent
Size and dimensions of this item
10" across
Date Period
1878?
Weight
Approximately 5 lbs (?)
History
Unknown
Price Paid (If known)
$9.99
For Sale?
No
Photos
J Dixon & Sons Britannia Ware
The registry mark does seem to indicate a design registration for 1878-1881. J Dixon & Sons was a major British manufacturers of pewterware, electroplated Britannia metal, silverware and electroplated nickel silver. Their products included hundreds of items household items. They were a world leader in manufacturing firearm accessories through nineteenth century and exported powder flasks in large quantities to America. They shut down in 1976. In terms of value, pretty modest currently, under $50.00,