Rivetting Stuff

I love china which has been rivetted.  I don't know why but it is the contrast of metal to mend something fragile, I think.  And it's the fact that we didn't always live in this 'throw away' society; things were treasured, mended and used again and again.  Before adhesives were widely used people would save any broken china for when repairers would visit towns and villages to perform this quite tricky operation.  Nowadays we throw it in the bin and go on the internet to order another one to be delivered the next day!

Tiny holes were drilled on either side of a cracked surface and hand forged metal staples or rivets were inserted to hold each piece together.

These are some of the few pieces I have found that have had this repair done.  Of course, many have been destroyed over the years because the 'crude' repairs have been considered unsightly.  I, personally, think they add more character and certainly authenticize the age of a piece.

A teapot and cup from a Spode Copeland 'Old Bow' teaset produced specifically for Harrods in 1905. 

I can understand why someone would want a Harrods tea set repaired but even this rather utilitarian glass jug has had the rivetting treatment.

I love this very large old dairy jug which has had a considerable amount of repair.

This Spode Italian cup has had the handle repaired.

Do you have any rivetting pieces of china?