Hi can anyone throw any light on who the maker of this extraordinary brass tray might be, it has 'HB' stamped on the bottom, it is likely the bottom of a lamp of some sort. I wonder if it might be Herbert Bushell? It's such beautiful brass and copper work it must have come from Brum! (Bit biased my forebears are Brummies). It has been beautifully polished for me by MA Polishing in Birmingham, it came out of my m-i'l's shed and it was totally black(!)
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Brass Dish
- Thread starter mrsghjun
- Start date
Rather jokingly we said maybe it's a Doritos and salsa dish LOL, no threads on the middle bit.
I know what you mean my m-i-l's family were proper hunting and game people from Warwickshire so maybe it's to do with that.
maypolebaz
master brummie
I've got to say, it looks Germanic to me.
Pedrocut
Master Barmmie
Herbert Bushell and son LTD, 52 Northampton St. Medalists, (closed 2003 ?)
others for HB...
Henry Buckland
Henry Bourne
Hayes Bros
others for HB...
Henry Buckland
Henry Bourne
Hayes Bros
Radiorails
master brummie
They are silver makers. We need brass I guess.
It seems clear that what ever was located in the centre was removable. I wonder if it was a form of table lighter (not the sort kept on occasional tables or in pockets).
It seems clear that what ever was located in the centre was removable. I wonder if it was a form of table lighter (not the sort kept on occasional tables or in pockets).
Yes will do just waiting for it to come back from Brum.
Am planning to use it as a centre piece at Christmas with a lovely candle in the middle and some foilage.
Eric Gibson
master brummie
I suppose the B might be just for brass, e.g. Hockley or Handsworth Brass.
Radiorails
master brummie
Once we establish what it is - assuming we do - then the title of the thread will need changing as it certainly not a dish.
Its dimensions would be a help in the search. It could be, as suggested in post 2, a form of lazy susan but particulaly for using and placing a Game Pie at table.
Its dimensions would be a help in the search. It could be, as suggested in post 2, a form of lazy susan but particulaly for using and placing a Game Pie at table.
Eric Gibson
master brummie
Anybody had a sort through this lot?
https://www.oldcopper.org/makers/birmingham_brassmakers.php
https://www.oldcopper.org/makers/birmingham_brassmakers.php
Radiorails
master brummie
Once we see the initials on the object we can look at that link Eric.
Initially I though flowers might have been in a glass receptacle in the centre, but the animals threw me off that scent.
Initially I though flowers might have been in a glass receptacle in the centre, but the animals threw me off that scent.
Thanks Alan as soon as it's back with me I'll put some dimensions on for you and the makers mark. Thanks for your help.
Yes I did but I need to double check the mark once it's back with me.
Don't think so MA Polishing say it's brass and a whole mix of other metals.
Lady Penelope
master brummie
As it's hunting, shooting etc. I wonder if it could be a very posh inkstand from a country house. The ink well itself would have fitted in the centre and could have been brass or glass, removal for cleaning. There are lots of ornate ink stands on the internet but none like this one.
john knight
signman
Inkstand similar to this one.
I ask because you originally said 'it was totally black', which could be the case if it had been silver-plated brass. Let's see what the other side reveals!
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Eric Gibson
master brummie
That certainly looks to be from the same stable John.
Paul Anthony Hunt
New Member
I’m just going to throw this out there, shield boss/mount , probably a copy, hunting was popular on the hills surrounding brum.
Eric Gibson
master brummie
In my book of maker's marks there are two almost identical to that on your item.
A London maker Henry Brind mid 18th century 'Good run of the mill' products
And an Edinburgh maker Harry Breathune, early 18th century.
A London maker Henry Brind mid 18th century 'Good run of the mill' products
And an Edinburgh maker Harry Breathune, early 18th century.
I have a pair of brass dishes with a tale to tell. I was told that they were wedding presents for my parents in 1934. Apparently, some of the same design were made especially for the firm's owner. So these are what I would call 'foreigners'. Tut!
They are identical, top and bottom and about 13 cm at the widest. Underneath there is what appears to be a design number, C 1185. The maker's mark is an isosceles triangle inside a circle. Inside the triangle are three, indistinct smudges, possibly letters. The middle one might be &.
I cannot remember how they were used. Perhaps intended for hair grips and other bits and pieces on a lady's dressing table.View attachment 139860
They are identical, top and bottom and about 13 cm at the widest. Underneath there is what appears to be a design number, C 1185. The maker's mark is an isosceles triangle inside a circle. Inside the triangle are three, indistinct smudges, possibly letters. The middle one might be &.
I cannot remember how they were used. Perhaps intended for hair grips and other bits and pieces on a lady's dressing table.View attachment 139860
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