Although this piece does not bear the Dresser facsimile signature, and is not recorded in any of the literature to date, there are certain design features which would indicate that it should be so attributed. The triangular crow's foot base corresponds exactly to that of the crow's foot decanter (Halén p.11); the triangular undercarriage supporting oil burner is used in another kettle design (Fine Art Society no.130) from 1878; whilst the crimped rivet terminals on the base are a common feature of Dresser metalwork .
The engraved decoration and general shape of this kettle corresponds with the design for a tea set registered by Hukin & Heath at the Patent Office in March 1879 (Halén p.154, pl.176). While that particular example was manufactured in simple electroplate, a teapot and sugar bowl with the copper-plated finish were sold at our St. James's rooms on 18 July 1990, Lot No.89.
From the registration mark it would appear that the kettle and stand is one of a number of Dresser designs produced by Hukin & Heath in May 1878 (op cit. p.154).