This is an antique Victorian silver-plated spirit kettle or teapot, likely by James Dixon and Sons, featuring intricate chased floral and scroll decorations. 

The item is silver plated, not solid silver. 

It was designed to be used as a spirit kettle, which would typically sit on a stand with a burner underneath to keep the water hot.

The kettle features extensive engraved decorations, including leaf and wreath motifs. 

It has a hinged lid with a finial and sits on small feet.