Elkington & Co. Silver-Plated Footed Bowl or Tureen Base
Hollowware (Bowl / Tureen) · Elkington & Co. (Birmingham, England). Founded by George Richards Elkington and Henry Elkington, the firm pioneered the commercial electroplating process in the 1840s and held numerous Royal Warrants.
Pattern: Standard Victorian/Edwardian Utility Hollowware; characterized by concentric circular base molding and robust industrial design typical of hotel or high-end domestic service.
Type
Hollowware (Bowl / Tureen)
Maker
Elkington & Co. (Birmingham, England). Founded by George Richards Elkington and Henry Elkington, the firm pioneered the commercial electroplating process in the 1840s and held numerous Royal Warrants.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base metal is a copper-nickel-zinc alloy, coated in a layer of fine silver via the electro-deposition process.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 15-20 cm at the rim; height approximately 8-12 cm. Weight is substantial due to the heavy nickel-silver base metal, estimated at 400-600 grams.
Description
This is a robust silver-plated footed bowl from the legendary Elkington & Co. workshop. It features the smooth, heavy-gauge construction that made the brand a favorite for luxury hotels and steamship lines. The underside clearly displays the maker's pride through a series of crisp stamps and a production serial number. While currently showing significant tarnish, the underlying plating appears thick and resilient, characteristic of their 'A1' grade service.
Key Features
Elkington maker's mark cartouches; specific serial number 3243; concentric lathe-spun rings on the base underside; heavy-gauge nickel-silver core.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base metal is a copper-nickel-zinc alloy, coated in a layer of fine silver via the electro-deposition process.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish on the interior/underside with concentric spun rings. The visible exterior shows heavy tarnish and oxidation (sulfide patina) with a smooth, undecorated surface typical of functional late-Victorian or Edwardian styles.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Horizontal Elkington stamps including: 'ELKINGTON & Co' in a rectangular cartouche, a date letter (likely 'Y', 'Z', or 'a' in a shield), the serial number '3243', and potentially an 'E&Co' crowned shield mark used for their high-quality plate.
Construction Details
Spun and raised construction. The concentric circles inside the foot indicate the piece was formed on a lathe. The foot is likely soldered to the main body using a lead or silver-solder joint.
Functional Features
Raised foot for heat protection of tabletops; heavy gauge construction for thermal retention; potentially designed as a base for a lidded tureen or a large waste bowl.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles are visible in the provided image; the piece appears to be a pedestal-style bowl or the base of a larger vessel.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The spinning is perfectly centered, and the stamps are struck with high pressure, indicating a high level of quality control in a factory setting.
Authentication Indicators
The 'ELKINGTON & Co' stamp is consistent in font and box-style with known authentic examples; serial numbers are typical for Elkington's cataloging system; the color of the tarnish is characteristic of genuine silver over nickel.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England. Produced in the Elkington Newhall Street works, known for high-volume, high-quality industrial silver production.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to early Edwardian (c. 1890-1910). This was the peak period for Elkington's numbered hollowware production for both domestic and commercial use.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900. The font of the serial number '3243' and the specific arrangement of the Elkington stamps are consistent with the transition from the late 19th to early 20th century.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'luxury' dining in the 19th century through the invention of electroplating, allowing the middle class to own items that looked like solid silver.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is heavy tarnish/patination on the top surface. No major dents are visible, but the silver plating may be thin at the high points of the base rim (common 'bleeding' of the base metal).
Value Estimate
$40 - $120 USD. Value depends on the completeness (if it had a lid) and the state of the plating once the heavy tarnish is removed.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water first, then use a high-quality polish like Wright’s Silver Cream. Avoid abrasive 'dip' cleaners which can strip the thin silver layer, as this is plated and not solid sterling.
Similar Pieces
Walker & Hall or Mappin & Webb silver-plated bowls. Elkington pieces are generally heavier and more clearly hallmarked than most other Victorian manufacturers.
Interesting Facts
Elkington & Co. provided the silver plate service for the RMS Titanic. Their plating was so durable that pieces recovered from shipwrecks often retain their silver coating after cleaning.