We have an old Tea urn that has been in the family for years, but we dont know much about the origins. We suspect that its an old trophy for some sport (cricket is a possibility) more importantly, its a relic from Sheffield's past.

Its very ornate, appears to be made of Pewter, has a brass tap on the front and has an inscription

I-O-R
Sheffield district No 11
William Shaw DCR 1899-1900

It has an emblem on the back and on the base the makers plate says

Maclaurin Bros, Lorne works, Sheffield 282


We would love to know more about this, more for historical reasons than anything else. If anybody can help with any part of our research into this we would be most greatful.

I will upload some pics later

Have you posted this information on:
www.sheffieldindexers.com
They have access to Directories which may give information about the manufacturer.
Duffems

In the 1901 White's Directory James McLaurin was a manufacturer of elecrro-plated ware with his address being at Lorne Works, Sydney Street.

Duffems

Thanks for that Duffems.

Found a bit out about the manufacturer and a few other of their products for sale on the web (interesting stuff) but i suppose what we are really trying to find out about is the inscription.....

The investigation continues............

I picture would be nice to see it? :)

what does DCR mean after the persons name?

what does DCR mean after the persons name?I think we can rule all these (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DCR) out for starters :hihi:

When do we get to see pics?

is it something similar to this:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2370/2447039011_d1a1650aa1.jpg?v=0

could it be an urn for punch or suchlike?

could it be connected with something really random like hunting?

interesting reading:
http://www.teaantiques.com/teaclipper/teaclipper200102.htm

Looking at the census for 1891/1901 I found several William Shaw names so no leads there but, there is one:
William Shaw born abt.1830 in Elsecar who is on both 1891 & 1901 living at 8, Sheaf Gardens (on own means) with his wife Louisa J. Shaw (born Staffs.). He is a "teacher of the pianoforte".
I wonder if the DCR could signify anything musical? Just a thought.

Duffems.

I have a hunch that William Shaw was a name linked to Hallam Football Club in the 1860s, but I could be wrong. Someone did a history of Hallam FC some years ago, and it is worth noting that the name might also feature in the history of Sheffield FC.
Another thought is that the Shaw family had links to the Hallam Chase.
Just lines to investigate!

Here is the pic, not a pretty sight but hopefully it may lead to finding out where it came from and why etc.

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm18/bushysquirrel/DSCF0008.jpg

Hi,
This is a reply courtesy of Hugh on the Sheffield Indexers:
I think this is the Friendly Society called the Independent Order of Rechabites -

see... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_Order_of_Rechabites

and also
http://sites.scran.ac.uk/shelf/friend/12.php

The latter site has...

DCR - Deputy Chief Ruler (equivalent to - Branch Vice Chairman)

I also found a reference to a No. 11 District in Sheffield (but from earlier)

"Sheffield No 11 District Branch Independent Order of Rechabites"
This is from a YORKGEN thread relating to the Wakefield Registry of Deeds:
http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/YORKSGEN/2000-06/0960226991

Duffems.

Sheffield No 11 District Branch Independent Order of Rechabites

Mentioned here
http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/YORKSGEN/2000-06/0960226991

http://www.civitas.org.uk/pdf/cw17.pdf

This tells you about the group and similar groups, it tells you how much they had to pay to be part of the Rechabites and the minimum age was 15 to join and the oldest age was 50 to join. Interesting.

Interesting thread. When I started work at the Market Place branch of the Midland Bank (now the Banker's Draft pub) in 1970, the Independent Order of Rechabites Friendly Society was among our customers. Their office was in the "Livesey-Clegg House" on Union Street (http://www.flickr.com/photos/evissa/254414295/) which had been the national headquarters of the British Temperance League. I remember delivering documents etc. to the two ladies who ran the office; they were very nice, friendly people (and I never let on that I was a malt whisky enthusiast...) Apart from running the friendly society from this rather dingy, almost Dickensian building they had a sideline selling better-type non-alcoholic drinks such as grape juice, and the lobby and staircase were festooned with posters drawing attention to the dangers of alcohol.

The "Livesey Library" of the British Temperance League was on the top floor of the Livesey-Clegg House. In 1987 the building was completely refurbished as modern offices and the library was transferred to the University of Central Lancashire at Preston.

I think that William Shaw would have been a well-known figure at the Livesey-Clegg House. It could be that the Livesey Library (which includes, for example, account books and annual reports of the Sheffield Temperance Association and Independent Order of Rechabites) might have some information about him, though it seems that the University's "special collections", which include the Livesey Collection, are "closed until further notice" - see http://www.uclan.ac.uk/library/usersupport/lrs/collections/livesey/index.htm

Is it possible to see a picture of the back showing the emblem please?

Regards,
Duffems.

Is it possible to see a picture of the back showing the emblem please?

Regards,
Duffems.

I will try and get a pic up of it soon, truth is its at my brothers so it may take a day or so.....

Thanks for everybodys help and information BTW, this is turning out to be more interesting than we thought.

:thumbsup: