A copper charger attributed to the Barnstaple Guild of Metal Workers, circa 1900.

I believe this a rare piece of metalwork by the Barnstaple Guild of Metal Workers. The copper charger has a  galleon design in repousse to the centre. The rim has two sea birds and the motto ” Welcome the coming… Speed the parting guest”. It’s a phrase which appeared in a translation of The Odyssey by Homer and it has been used frequently through the ages.

The piece is signed “J.D.” at the bottom edge. I believe this is James Dewdney who was a known metalworker at the Barnstaple School of Art and a member of the Barnstaple Guild. He also produced ceramic designs for the Brannam Pottery. Documented work by the Guild is very rare but the type of font used on this piece is very similar to a charger by the Barnstaple School illustrated in The House periodical in 1899 (image attached). 

Another signed piece of work by the School or Guild came up at auction several years ago and it also uses a similar font:

https://www.lyonandturnbull.com/auctions/decorative-arts-design-since-1860-518/lot/149