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Please see linked pictures. I am trying to identify two items. I am new to this forum and hope I have done everything correctly.

Pictured is a 10" tall, 6" diameter samovar(?) that separates in to a number of components. There is writing on the side which I am nearly certain is chinese, but I am unable to translate. On the handle the English word "secure" is inscribed. I could not find what could be described as a maker's mark, but there is writing everywhere around the outside of the piece. It has the look and feel of an antique piece, but I simply do not know.

Also pictured is a 9 1/4" by 6 1/2" by 2 1/2" tea box(?) with hinged lids and hand etched designs. On either end is a two-horned, four-clawed dragon, and on the bottom are two marks I simply cannot identify. I have had more luck with porcelain marks than metal marks and both of these pieces have eluded me. If you are able to help I would greatly appreciate it.

Link :http://imgur.com/gallery/Ivtai

The Chinese maker's mark reads 道口興盛義 + mark indicating the alloy 点铜 (brass?) with ying yang symbol in the middle. Late Qing period I suppose.

I leave it further to the forum members who read Chinese.

Guy.

In Chinese Mandarin, 道口 (dao kou) is a crossroads or intersection, and 興盛義 can be the personal name Xingsheng Yi, written Western style, where Yi is the surname, or it might be a place name. I found a Daokou County in Henan Province, and the term 興盛義 turned up in a number of Chinese village and business names alike. In any event, there is no shortage of pewter with this same mark in the Chinese online antique market. A link to one site is included herewith. Perhaps with a little effort and the Bing or another machine translator, you'll be able to pick out the location of this factory. A hint: The term 点铜 (dian tong) is found on a lot of pewter objects made at Shantou (Swatow) on the coast of Guangdong Province. It can mean "adorned metal" or "ornamental metal" but is synonymous with pewter on pieces from Shantou at least. But it may be that your pewter was made elsewhere.

Best regards,

Bill H.

URL Title :Daokou Pewter

That is very helpful. Thank you. I will take a look at the link and see if I can get further.

Any insight on the samovar looking item?

Thank you for the start. It is further than I was able to get. I hope another forum goer is available to take a look.

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