Rare James Dixon Gun Stock Powder Flask

Retaining its shape very well. Just a couple of small dinks. Tight seams. Spring and cut-off working well. Adjusts well between unmarked settings. Nozzle fixed (doesn’t unscrew).  Great patina. Overall a great example. Standing 8 ½” tall. See Riling pages 107-108. See James Dixon catalogue from 1883, item No. 2096 at a price of 42/.

J Dixon & Sons (James Dixon & Sons), founded 1806 in Sheffield, was one of the major British manufacturers of the Industrial Revolution. They were manufacturers of pewter ware, electroplated Britannia metal, silverware and electroplated nickel silver. Their products included hundreds of items for use in the kitchen (e.g. bowls, cutting-tools) and the dining room (e.g. tea services, cocktail shakers and mixers) as well as items such as candlesticks. They were a world leader in manufacturing shooting accessories through nineteenth century and exported powder flasks in large quantities to America. It was located first at Silver Street (1806) and then at Cornish Place (1822) Sheffield. They were also famous for their sporting trophies. Two of the most well-known are the Hales Trophy commissioned in 1932 (sometimes called the Blue Riband) though this really refers to the pendant flown by the sailing ship currently holding the record for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic. The trophy was then held by the owners of that ship. The other great trophy is the one presented to the winner of the American Masters Golf tournament held annually in Augusta Georgia. This trophy is a scale model of the clubhouse made in 1959-60 and contains 453 troy ounces of silver.

The firm continued to be a family run enterprise until 1976. The patterns are currently owned by another Sheffield firm who export products mainly to the Middle East.

James Dixon & Sons

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