Meriden Britannia Co. tea set

[capot1948]

Have recently acquired this tea set from an antique store in Round Rock, Tx. It is in fantastic shape. Could anyone tell me what the numbers mean beneath the makers mark?





Thanks
Chris

[bigwull]

made in June 1961 perhaps.....

[mart]

That's the pattern number !!  6 could indicate the total number of pieces in the set or the finish style !!

[capot1948]

Thanks Mart, didn't think it was the year but you never know. Now to see if I can find anything out about this pattern. I'm sure glad I'm retired and can devote time to research. If I was still working I don't think I'd get anywhere with this.

[mart]

This has a bit of an art deco look so try that in your search !!  30`s or early 40`s style !!

[capot1948]

So far I've tried 'Replacements Ltd' and on the Meriden Britannia they go from pattern # 1957 to 1968. Where else might I possibly find pattern 1961?

[mart]

 Try style number !!

[capot1948]

I'm at Abe Silverman's page, paid my $3.00 for research. Don't know if this helps but it says that in 1896 the Meriden Britannia company quit stamping their products quadruple plate. I also found this via goggle at a site called http://iantiqueonline.ning.com

Code: [Select]

Hello, I am new to this...but not to finding an antique. This weekend I was looking for an item and came across one I would not have bought or even looked for in the past. I even passed this up at first and went back to the store to buy it. Okay...from what I found out on line it is a Meriden B. Company Quadruple plate TEAPOT set it has hinged lids and it has what I think is Aesthetic style,repousse flowers,etc., I think it is before 1896 because of the stamping on the bottom. It also has a stamp of 1961 on it...I believe it means the style of the teapot. But I would love to know more about these pieces. If anyone out there could help ...it would be most appreciated.
She was referred to the Abe Silverman site. Maybe if I just email Abe direct he'll be kind enough to tell me something.

[mart]

http://www.silvercollection.it/MERIDENBRITANNIACO.html

Here is a complete company timeline that might help you !! Put this site on your desktop !! It comes in handy !!

[capot1948]

Thanks Mart, bookmarked. So, if I'm reading this right "In 1898 Meriden Britannia Company ceased to exist as an independent entity and became part of International Silver Company." and looking at the makers mark they show after the take over in 1898 would that lead one to believe that my set was made prior to that?

Chris

[mart]

http://www.925-1000.com/b_meriden_cat1883.html

This is a copy of Meridens 1883 catalogue,, lower corner has an arrow that allows you to scroll through and see the items !! Don`t think you will find your pattern,, style isn`t right for that early but you never know !!
Not necessarily !!  This was simply a merger of companies, they did continue using some of the individual marks (I think, still checking) till 1924 !! You sort of have to check several places to come up with the right answer !! Not all are accurate !!

[Ipcress]

The marks were used later, after the company amalgamated with others.
 I'd be surprised if this wasn't 1920's but it could be just a different style and shape to their other late Victorian services. You look through the catalogues and there are the usual Victorian shapes and all the lids / covers have solid finials. These have a loop.

If they are 19th century then they must be top quality and ahead of their time ( although the flowers in relief are very ' then ' )

[capot1948]

Mart, Ipcress, thanks very much for the information and for the link. Mart, I looked at the catalog and you're right, didn't find a pattern matching mine. Question though, where on the 925-1000 site did you find that catalog? My bookmarks in my 'Antiques' folder are growing by leaps and bounds.

[mart]

It was a secondary link on the page for Meriden,, also found out that there are several companies/divisions that used the Meriden name in some form so your research needs to be in the exact name on your item !!  If it says Meriden B. don't look in Meriden Brittrania ect !!  Silver companies are confusing because of all the mergers, buy outs ect !!  Even after they joined with other companies many continued business as usual for years  !!  Some place I read that other catalogues for them could be found online !!  Haven't looked yet for others !!!

[capot1948]

Thanks Mart, yep, it says Meriden B., so, now to restart my research - just love it. Heading out to Fredericksburg tomorrow so who knows what we'll come home with.

Chris