I have what I think is an Old Sheffield Plate planter.
It's 7" tall by 9" long by 6 and 7/8" wide. The marks are just below the top rim. The marks look like close-plating marks on early candle snuffers/wick trimmers.
Questions: 1. Do you recognize the maker, and if not, what is the date as suggested by the style?
2. Is there any doubt it's OSP? The inside is characteristically tinned.
I have included several pictures of seams where this piece was soldered or joined together.
3. Why is the animal mask brass underneath? I thought such OSP ornaments were made of a thin shell of solid silver that was then filled with lead. I did find the following quote from the Wikipedia article about OSP: "During the 1840–50 period, hybrid articles such as sugar bowls were produced with the body being Old Sheffield, while complicated small parts, such as the feet and handles, made from electroplate. These are rare and seldom recognized." 4. The decoration on the base doesn't seem as organic as the upper part; is the decoration on the base hand chased? 5. Why no monograms? There haven't been any removals, either.
6. Did it ever have a detachable rim? The last pic shows a very similar OSP piece with a rim that is characteristic of those on monteiths.