Elizabethan No. 2 Empire Made Silver-Plated Expanding Trivet or Toaster
Hollowware / Tabletop Accessory (Expanding Trivet / Toast Rack) · Empire Made / Elizabethan
Pattern: Elizabethan No. 2, manufactured during the mid-20th century under the 'Empire Made' export designation for British Commonwealth markets.
Type
Hollowware / Tabletop Accessory (Expanding Trivet / Toast Rack)
Maker
Empire Made / Elizabethan
Material
Silver-plated base metal (likely nickel silver or brass foundation under an electroplated silver layer), showing verdigris and base metal bleed in recessed textured areas.
Dimensions
Estimated length ranging from approximately 15 cm to 25 cm when expanded, width approximately 10 cm; weight estimated at 150 to 250 grams.
Description
An intriguing mid-20th-century expanding tabletop accessory, marked 'Elizabethan No. 2' and 'Empire Made'. This silver-plated piece features a clever mechanical expanding scissor design intended to support hot teapots or serving dishes. The surfaces are adorned with textured, stippled recesses contrasting against smooth, polished edges, showcasing the utilitarian yet decorative domestic metalwork of the post-war era.
Key Features
Adjustable expanding scissor mechanism, distinctive stamped 'Elizabethan No. 2' nomenclature, textured stippled background panels, and 'Empire Made' export classification.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated base metal (likely nickel silver or brass foundation under an electroplated silver layer), showing verdigris and base metal bleed in recessed textured areas.
Finish & Decoration
Textured stippled background with cast floral or foliate scroll motifs, featuring a bright polish on raised borders and structural components.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped text reading 'ELIZABETHAN / NO. 2 / EMPIRE MADE' in capital sans-serif letters, indicating British colonial or Commonwealth manufacture and trade origin.
Construction Details
Mechanical expanding scissor-action linkage with riveted joints, stamped and cast components, showing standard mid-century industrial mass-production assembly.
Functional Features
Collapsible and expanding scissor mechanism designed to accommodate varying sizes of hot dishes, teapots, or toast plates at the dining table.
Handle & Grip Details
All-metal construction utilizing the sliding frame rails and feet as structural grips; no insulated handles, reliant on the base metal's thermal properties.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial semi-machined production featuring stamped metal sheets, cast textured inserts, and pinned mechanical hinges designed for functional domestic durability.
Authentication Indicators
Clear stamping of the trade text 'Empire Made' and model identifier 'Elizabethan No. 2', authentic wear patterns showing base metal alloy beneath compromised silver plating, and period-appropriate mechanical riveted joinery.
Origin & Manufacturing
Manufactured in a British Commonwealth territory (such as England or Hong Kong) for export under the broad 'Empire Made' trade marking system.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century / Post-War Period (c. 1945-1960)
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965, based on the typography of the stamp and the typical production era of 'Empire Made' mechanical tableware.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the post-war dining culture of the mid-20th century, where clever, space-saving, and multifunctional table accessories were popular for domestic entertaining and tea services.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good vintage condition. Moderate surface tarnish, active green verdigris corrosion in recessed textured areas indicating base metal exposure, and minor scratches consistent with age and functional use.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $20 and $60 USD, depending on collector demand for vintage mechanical kitchenalia and overall surface condition.
Care & Maintenance
Gentle cleaning with a soft-bristled brush and mild soapy water to remove active verdigris without damaging the remaining silver plate. Avoid harsh silver dips which can strip compromised plating further. Dry thoroughly.
Similar Pieces
Mid-century extending toast racks and expanding silver-plated trivets produced by various British and Commonwealth makers such as Viners or EPNS manufacturers.
Interesting Facts
The term 'Empire Made' was widely used on manufactured goods exported from British colonies and dominions to the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth nations, particularly popular during the mid-20th century prior to strict country-of-origin labeling laws.