J Dixon & Sons

James Dixon & Sons, commonly known as J Dixon & Sons, was one of the most significant British silversmiths and metal manufacturers of the 19th and 20th centuries. Established in 1806 in Sheffield, the firm played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution, pioneering advancements in silverware, pewter, and electroplated Britannia metal. By the late 19th century, it had become a leading name in the production of both luxury and utilitarian metal goods, including tableware, trophies, and the famed Dixon whistles.

Though founded in 1806, the company only officially registered its trademark in 1879—a distinctive trumpet with a banner hanging from it—though this hallmark had been in use well before its formal registration. The firm was highly prolific, producing an extensive range of goods, from elegant sterling silver candlesticks, tea services, and cocktail shakers to kitchenware, cutting tools, and decorative objects.

Among J Dixon & Sons’ most internationally recognised items were sporting trophies. Two of the firm’s most famous commissions include the Hale Trophy, also known as the Blue Riband, awarded to the fastest transatlantic ocean liner, and the American Masters Golf Tournament Trophy, presented to the winner of the prestigious event.

The company was also known for its exceptional whistles, which first appeared in its catalogues in the late 1870s but had been produced as early as the 1840s. These were crafted from a variety of materials, including sterling silver, nickel silver, Britannia metal, gunmetal, ivory, and horn, and featured distinctive cocoa wood fipples—a unique innovation that contributed to their renowned quality. J Dixon & Sons was one of the leading whistle manufacturers of the period, producing models for police forces, railway companies, and the military.

J Dixon & Sons was an early adopter of electroplating technology, producing high-quality silver-plated items that catered to both the British market and a growing export trade. The company was also one of the principal manufacturers of Britannia metal, a tin-based alloy that provided a durable and affordable alternative to silver. The firm’s craftsmanship and innovation positioned it alongside other major British silversmiths such as Asprey & Co., William Comyns & Sons, and Barnard & Co..