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An introduction to Picquot Ware

9/19/2017

32 Comments

 
Picture
I’ve been searching for some Picquot Ware for some time for My Vintage Wren. I’ve seen the odd teapot and jug but never a full set. So when I happened upon a rather dull looking but complete set I had to have it!

Picquot Ware was produced until fairly recently but is no longer available to buy brand new. Its beautiful shape, shiny metal finish and sycamore handles make these items an iconic representation of mid twentieth century design, while also being a timeless classic that fits into modern schemes.

Picquot (pronounced Pea ko) Ware was produced by Burrage and Boyd in England. They were a company founded in Northampton in 1932 and produced non-electric vacuum cleaners. The main components of these cleaners were cast aluminium and as the company became more successful they began to look for additional products which could be made using the technology they had in casting, machining and finishing. The decision was made to diversify into high class tableware. During development it was identified that an alloy called Magnaillium (Maganese and Aluminum) could be polished to provide a silver like finish.

In 1939 the first item designed was a 3 pint kettle – still highly desirable and hard to come by! During the war the factory was used for ammunitions and so it was only in 1947 that the kettle went into production and at the same time a teapot was introduced. This was followed in 1949 by a water jug with lid, sugar bowl, milk jug and, my favourite, the serving tray which has a heat resistant wareite centre.
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Picquot tableware is cast in one piece to ensure no leaks occur. Its spout is also designed for smooth non-drip pouring. It has milled lid hinges to ensure a perfect fit and beautifully styled handles made from sycamore. It is the combination of highly polished metal and dark wooden handles that make this, in my opinion, such a great design classic.​

When I found this set it was in a very well used state - the jug picture above shows what it looked like when I got it. These are sturdy items made to last and be used every day. However over time the metal does dull. This was simply remedied by a pot of Silvo and a lot of elbow grease! Silvo is the sister product to Brasso and is smeared all over the item you wish to clean before polishing it off with a clean cloth. It gets very messy and the amount of dirt produced is incredible, but well worth the effort. The middle picture above shows the half way point: two items done, two still to go. While the set I cleaned still shows sign of wear (well it is over 50 years old) it now has a lovely shiny finish.

If you’re after a set of Piquot ware and would like to find out what I currently have available please just contact me through the website, Facebook or Instagram. The set pictured is currently available (as of September 2017) through myself or at Oakwood Vintage in Leeds. Likewise if you have any photos of Picquot Ware currently in your possession I’d love to see pictures. Either comment below with photos or tag My Vintage Wren on social media with any pictures you post.
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Now I just have to go and search for that elusive kettle…
Note: this blog was updated in 2019 to clarify that unfortunately Piquot Ware is no longer available brand new. Good quality second hand pieces are still widely available. If you are after a particular piece please don’t hesitate to contact me.
32 Comments
Elba
11/18/2017 07:18:57 am

Dear Lucy, I was just cleaning my house due to moving and I found this set. I will follow your instructions regarding the cleaning!
We bought this set in Singapore around 1977 (not sure).
Do you know how much does it worth? I have no idea.
May the Lord bless you!

Reply
My Vintage Wren link
11/20/2017 01:41:42 am

Hi Elba
This set sold for £45, however having done some more research I have found similar sets priced at about £75. Having the tray makes a big difference. Hope that helps and enjoy using your Picquot Ware!
Lucy

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Robert
4/30/2019 02:54:11 am

I have just seen a 6 piece set in a charity shop with cream jug and milk jug, coffee and tea pots sugar and tray, is this worth buying for £35 condition is excellent but clearly and earlier example

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Anne
3/15/2018 03:30:13 am

Hi there, I have a picquot teapot which could needs professional restoration to the lid fixing plus interior work. Have you heard of anywhere that still does this. I have been unable to contact the company that did this work for me in 2004

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My Vintage Wren
3/24/2018 01:29:47 am

Hi - I’ve been doing some research but haven’t found any up to date businesses that could help. It might be worth going to a local antique shop and seeing if they have any trade contacts who they use to fix and refurbish items. Sorry I couldn’t be of more assistance. Lucy - My Vintage Wren

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Alan Talbot
5/18/2018 12:43:16 am

I have had a Picquot tea pot since the 60s won it in a sales competition however it wore out some time ago having had it tottaly refurbed in Brownhill Birmingham company then went to Scotland.Bough another one form a company called Millies kitchen some time ago quality did not seem as good. had this refurbed by the same company in Scotland and to be honest not satisfied although been using it .When left for a few days whilst away there is some kind of mould appears never had this before.
Have been looking for a new one but cannot find antwhere that sells new you can get plenty of items from certain on line companies but really would like new can you help

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David Westbrooke
2/13/2019 01:34:37 am

Alan, have you got the contact details of the refurb companies in Scotland and Birmingham that I’d your Picquotware products. Many thanks David W.

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Helen Glasgow
2/27/2019 02:35:47 am

Hi David I have 2kettles in desperate need of new handles have you any idea where I might get them

Sheila Smith
8/28/2018 12:48:52 am

Lucy,
My family has the whole lot, two teapots, two milk jugs, three sugar bowls, one tray and, wait for it...one kettle!!!
Recently we had a party. My lovely son-in-law did loads of clearing up (great!). BUT, he put the only Piquot milk jug in the dishwasher (not great!). My husband says it’s totally ruined. Is he right? 😥

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Lucy
8/29/2018 12:15:17 am

Hi Sheila - i would definitely have a try with some Silvo or other silver polish and see what happens. Hopefully the dishwasher’s only taken the shine off the outside. Let me know the results. Otherwise a replacement jug isn’t too hard to find - I often see them at antique and vintage fairs or you could try eBay? Let me know if you want me to keep a look out for one. In the meantime I’m very jealous of the rest of your collection! Thanks for reading my blog. Lucy

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Harry
4/29/2020 04:34:57 am

Use Solvol autosol. Comes in a metal tube like toothpaste. Polishes up aluminium to a very high quality shine. Truckers use it on fuel tanks, motorcyclists use it on engine casings. You’ll be amazed

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Carole
9/17/2018 10:15:39 am

Hi. You say this is still being produced but I can seem to find it. I have a very nicked tea pot .have you had luck sanding and pilisging?

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Carole
9/18/2018 08:33:51 am

Oops! typo - meant to write "polishing"! Oh and another question - I've noticed different marks on the bottom, most of my pieces have a very discrete mark in the round which is center on the bottom but two have markings that are huge and are close to the edge of the bottom - I'm assuming this may be a way to date the pieces? But which is the older marking?????

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findbestvacuums.com link
10/24/2018 11:32:34 am

Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this before. So nice to find somebody with some original thoughts on this subject. realy thank you for starting this up. this website is something that is needed on the web, someone with a little originality. useful job for bringing something new to the internet!

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Mike
12/7/2018 01:37:13 pm

Do you know where you can get tea pot refurbished i.e. New handle and wooden top bit pls

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1/23/2019 11:46:27 am

An introduction to the short wear are prepared and opted by the modern ladies. the new pattern of the cloth is devoid of the quality and full of the quantity. The embraced item is uploaded for the wives and all husbands in the homes.

Reply
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2/8/2019 09:00:17 pm

An introduction for the new style of the wear is narrated for the elements. The size is controlled and elements for the candidates. The motive is included for the overall good items for the conducive items.

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MARTIN PEGRUM
9/6/2019 10:13:02 pm

Thank you for your interesting article, I am 71 now,and enjoyed my cups of Typhoo and recently Yellow Label since a boy.I picked up my complete set in a "junk shop" in the City of Bath, England, I live retired in the Philippines, and of course still use it ! My tea would not be the same without it, or the memories that the T6 evokes...best wishes Martin.

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Assignment writing services uk link
10/7/2019 09:37:32 pm

I am preparing my new house and it is very useful my new house ,will you tell me its price and how I can i buy it and where from?

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Russell lyon
11/1/2019 01:57:36 pm

I worked at B&B in the late 1970s until the company folded, I think it continued as New Maid for a short while, but my understanding is the factory burned down in the early 1980s. A skilled metal polisher could bring all the items up like new as they are solid aliminiun, I enjoyed working there until it closed, it was often a dirty job but paid quite well for the time

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Mark
3/7/2020 02:00:05 am

When clearing out my aunts house yesterday I found a teapot. Brand new, unused, still with the tie label on it. Never ever seen a teabag or nor seen daylight in decades.

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Stephen
3/16/2020 03:01:47 pm

Bought my first piece today and i can honestly say i`m hooked. Coffee pot after a very thorough inspection, nice shine and the wood is sound. Very Happy,

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My Vintage Wren
3/25/2020 01:25:01 am

Sounds like a good find! Good luck in finding any other accompanying pieces.

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Sally Haywood
4/26/2020 08:03:33 am

What a lovely website. I have found 4 pieces in my parents' house - only the teapot has been used, the rest still pristine. No tray, sadly!

Alison Hart
5/9/2020 01:06:56 am

Hi My Vintage Wren

Can anybody point me in the direction of somebody who could supply or remake the wooden handle for my 1952 Piquot Ware teapot.
The teapot was used daily for years !!!! And finally broke 😢

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Esme Ferguson
5/20/2020 11:20:40 am

We have a teapot, which we got in 2005. The strainer section has come out and we are not sure how to fix it. Can anyone help us please?!!

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Gill Rosser
6/17/2020 04:56:31 am

Hi, I’ve got a full 5 piece set from my parents - any ideas about cleaning the inside of the teapot? Ours is well used & quite stained, I use Bicarbonate on our China teapot would this be any good on the metal? Don’t want to damage it, i know my Mum was very proud of her Piquot Ware. Thanks

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Tony Knibb
8/2/2020 06:20:20 am

I was an apprentice at Burrage and Boyd from1962 till 1967.One of the best experiences of my life because of the of the variety of engineering they undertook. My father was a toolmaker and the machines that were used for the Picquot Ware were all designed and made in house. the strainer in the teapot fits in the bottom groove and the top is just pushed in towards the spout. Mrs Brown of Mrs Browns Boys uses a Pw pot. a tray on bargain hunt was priced at £80.

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Alison
8/6/2020 02:42:41 pm

I just found a four piece set minus the tray, and paid $14.99 US. All handles are intact, and the metal is in average to good condition. I think this was a pretty good deal!

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Sarah Boyde
12/7/2020 01:56:44 pm

Hi, this is a wonderful thing to see. This was my great grandfather who made these. The name has been misspelt - its Boyde. I’ve used these all my life and love them

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Dawn Robson
1/4/2021 12:23:34 pm

We got the tea pot ,hot water pot,milk jug and sugar bowl as a wedding present. It is needing some tlc, handle is getting slack. The inside is needing redone? We got it in 1979. Teapot has been in use nearly every day of our 42 and a half year marraige. Would love to know if anyone relines it? From dawn.

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David Lugton
1/12/2021 11:08:33 am

Does anyone know how I can remove the wooden handle from the lid of the teapot or coffee pot? I'm restoring it and I want to get the handle off so I can clean it and the surrounding area.
There is a small brass button on the front of the handle and I'm guessing there is a bolt under it, but how do I remove the brass button? Do I just have to lever it out?
Any help would be very welcome.
From David

Reply



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    My name's Lucy and I'm the creator of My Vintage Wren.  With a passion for history one of things I love about dealing in vintage wares is investigating the background to the items I source.

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