Mid-Victorian Repoussé Sterling Silver Tea Set Component by Elkington & Co.
Hollowware / Tea Service (Teapot or Sugar Bowl) · Elkington & Co. of Birmingham, UK. Founded in 1824, they were world-renowned pioneers of the electroplating process and providers of fine silver for royal households throughout the Victorian era.
Pattern: Classical Victorian Swirl and Shell Repoussé (Pattern No. 9482 Style)
Type
Hollowware / Tea Service (Teapot or Sugar Bowl)
Maker
Elkington & Co. of Birmingham, UK. Founded in 1824, they were world-renowned pioneers of the electroplating process and providers of fine silver for royal households throughout the Victorian era.
Material
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-quality nickel silver base with heavy electroplate (EPNS). Visual tarnish patterns and luster suggest a sterling content or Victorian-grade heavy silver plate.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter: 5-6 inches; Estimated weight: 350-500 grams. This appears to be a standard-sized teapot or pedestal sugar bowl base.
Description
This substantial silver vessel exhibits the quintessential opulence of Victorian dining. The body is dominated by swirling, high-relief fluting that creates a dynamic sense of movement, terminating in elegant cast tripod feet. It reflects the high-status craftsmanship of Elkington & Co., a firm synonymous with Victorian luxury and innovation.
Key Features
Deeply embossed 'swirl' gadrooning, cast foliate scroll feet, and a distinct Victorian profile that emphasizes height and texture.
Material & Composition
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-quality nickel silver base with heavy electroplate (EPNS). Visual tarnish patterns and luster suggest a sterling content or Victorian-grade heavy silver plate.
Finish & Decoration
High-relief repoussé and chased decoration featuring deep spiral fluting, C-scrolls, and shell motifs. The surface shows an antiqued/oxidized patina where tarnish has settled in the recessed areas.
Hallmarks & Stamps
A rectangular stamp is visible on the foot rim, consistent with Elkington's dating shield letters and the 'E & Co' maker's mark. Verification of the specific date letter would confirm the exact year of production.
Construction Details
Body is likely raised or spun from a flat sheet, with the ornate shell-form feet cast separately and hand-hard-soldered to the main vessel. The repoussé work is hand-finished.
Functional Features
The piece features an elevated pedestal base with tripod scroll feet for thermal insulation and stability. A central indentation suggests a concave bottom common in teapots.
Handle & Grip Details
Handle attachment points are not fully visible, but the feet are heavy cast silver with scroll-and-leaf designs, pinned or soldered to the lower body.
Craftsmanship Details
Evident hand-chasing in the fine lines between flutes. The heavy weight of the cast feet indicates a high level of manufacturing cost and durability.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic Elkington hallmark placement and font style on the rim. The 'bleeding' of copper colors in the photo could suggest plate wear, or simply reflected light; further inspection for a Lion Passant is needed to confirm solid sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England. Produced in the Elkington workshop, known for combining industrial innovation with high-end craftsmanship.
Era & Period
Victorian Era (c. 1850-1880). The heavy rococo-revival influence and deep gadrooned swirling are hallmarks of mid-19th-century British silver design.
Age Estimate
Circa 1865-1875. The specific style of the scroll feet and the depth of the repoussé work suggest the mid-to-late Victorian period.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the 19th-century 'Tea Culture' where elaborate silver sets were primary indicators of a household's wealth and social standing.
Condition Notes
Grade: Good to Very Good. There are visible areas of moderate tarnish and surface oxidation. The structure appears sound, though the foot rim shows minor wear consistent with age and frequent use.
Value Estimate
$200 - $450 USD. Value depends heavily on whether the item is sterling or silver plate, and if it is part of a complete set.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a non-abrasive cream like Wright's Silver Cream. Use a soft horsehair brush to remove tarnish from the deep spiral grooves. Store in an acid-free flannel bag.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Repoussé' patterns (American) or Christofle 'Malmaison' (French). Elkington pieces are generally heavier and more architectural than their American counterparts.
Interesting Facts
Elkington & Co. held the Royal Warrant for Queen Victoria and supplied the tableware for the RMS Titanic's first-class dining rooms.