I can only make a guess that this is a Bun, Biscuit warmer or a Butter server.
The maker mark is “J.T” the next mark looks like a silhouette lions head, the third is indistinguishable and the next says “made in England”. The last engraving says “Hand Chased” The metal is not magnetic.
I appreciate any help.
David[/img]
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This appears to be a device for keeping food such as buns, bread, etc warm.
I believe it is electroplate, probably made by J Turton & Co of Sheffield. If it were silver it would have had a hallmark; the marks you show are just the manufacturer’s marks.
When I go to the Sheffield makers marks site I find “J.T” identified as:
John Turton, active 1876-1898 at 23-24 Times Building Bow St. Sheffield.
Am I to conclude the piece bearing the “J.T” makers mark was crafted between 1876 and 1898 ?
I have drawn a jewelers saw blade thru an inconspicuous location and fail to strike a base metal. Additionally the piece is not magnetic.
I am researching this for an elderly friend and your help is greatly appreciated.
You cannot rely on these dates. A quick check shows that J Turton & Co were still in business in 1920 - I don’t know how long they carried on after that. J.T may not even be Turton & Co as there is no definitive and exhaustive list of electroplaters.
I appreciate the effort of the forum.
I have searched every way I am able to find more information about the Maker. I have made some headway in that regard. I have done an intense search with he information I have gleaned to try to find another item that even resembles the one I have and I have not been successful.
I have been searching for an understanding of overlay, electroplating and other processes and I have found much information. I still cannot understand the properties of my particular piece.
The internet has provided me a good understanding of a topic I knew little aboout.
David