Antique Silver and Crocodile Hip Flask


Date: Circa 1912

Maker: James Dixon

Country: England

Stock: 6911

Description

A smart plain styled sterling silver drinking flask with a brown crocodile covered top and removable drinking cup with gilt interior. The top has a swivel and lock safety mechanism. Contains 125 ml. Weight of cup 78 grams, 2.5 troy ounces. Width 8.25 cms. Height 14 cms. Sheffield 1912. By James Dixons and 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 drinks flask is in excellent condition with no damage or restoration. Each piece is marked with clear silver stamps. Please note that this item is not new and will show moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Reflections in the photograph may detract from the true representation of this item.

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