DIXON & SON teapot ?

I wanted to know the material of these . . . is it considered pewterware or Britannia, and any collectors of Dixon know the composition they used - lead, tin, copper percentages of the metal ? Feels quite hard and would seem to have a low lead content compared to other early 19th c. pieces. I've found a few Dixon pots recently.... they must have been imported in fair numbers to the U.S. This is an early one, ca. 1833.

 

I don't collect these or anything Dixon but wondered myself.

This is just drawing from what's on the internet so take it for what it's worth. I think it might be Britannia metal. Here is how I got there. If true, it would date 1828-29.

From the Dixon and Sons website: (caveat, I'm not clear on the "c1825" date myself)

https://jamesdixonandsons.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/james-dixon-history.pdf

Dixon and Smith, c.1806-c1823 The firm was established in 1806 by James Dixon (1776-1852) and Thomas Smith as manufacturers of Britannia metal goods. Originally in Silver Street, to the north of the town centre of Sheffield, the firm aimed to make items for the table from Britannia metal as a cheaper alternative to silver and silver plate. Goods were stamped out using steel dies, but were finished by hand, before the parts were soldered together.

Dixon and Son, c1823-c1825 William Frederick Dixon (1802-1871), the eldest son of James, joined the firm when he was 21 years old and Thomas Smith withdrew. In 1824 they moved to Cornish Place, a large site, which enabled them to expand and develop the workshops, casting shops, offices and warehouses. In 1830, the firm began making silver and plated goods at Cornish Place by acquiring the firm Nicholson, Ashforth and Cutts. This side of the business was run by the newly-appointed manager - Mr William Fawcett, son-in-law of James Dixon. Later, the business of Mr Batty, of Tenter Street in Sheffield was also acquired, adding the manufacture of powder flasks to the firms output.


From Silvercollection about the marks:
https://www.silvercollection.it/ENGLADIXONDATE.html


1823-1829
In 1823 William Frederick Dixon, eldest son of James Dixon, began his partnership in the family business. The firm was active in the new facilities in Cornish Place. When accompanied by the pattern number (three or four digits) the mark can be dated to 1828/1829