Antique Silver Hip Flask


Date: 1902

Maker: James Dixon

Country: England

Stock: 8371

Description

A smart plain styled sterling silver drinking flask with removable drinking cup. The curved features allow the flask to slip comfortably inside a pocket. Good gauge silver. The top has a screw thread locking mechanism. The drinking cup has the original gilt interior. Contains 140 ml. Weight 198 grams, 6.3 troy ounces. Height 12.5 cms. Width 8 cms. Sheffield 1902. Maker James Dixon & Sons

Biography

James Dixon

James Dixon, Sheffield silver maker, founded this family business in 1806 which became one of the major British manufacturers of Silver and Silver Plated wares during the 19th century. A world leader in manufacturing shooting accessories throughout the nineteenth century they exported powder flasks in large quantities to America. They were also known as whistle makers.


Their registered trade mark since 1879 was a Trumpet with a Banner hanging from it.


The firm exhibited at the Great Exhibition in 1851, being awarded several prizes in different classes for silver and silver plate. Dixon's costing book of 1879 includes designs by Christopher Dresser, registered from 1880, and these were produced until at least 1885, according to the trade catalogue issued in that year.


In 1920 the firm became a limited liability company and in 1930 they acquired the Sheffield firm of William Hutton & Sons Ltd. In the 1980s the firm had a financial collapse and the production in Cornish Place closed in 1992.

Condition

This useful hip flask is in excellent condition with no damage. The swivel cap works well. The flask does not leak. The silver marks to the body and cup are clear. There is some slight scuffing where the cup slides onto the body.

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