Elkington & Co. Silver-Plated Table Spoon (Fiddle or Old English Pattern)
Flatware · Elkington & Co. of Birmingham, England. Founded by George and Henry Elkington in the 1830s, they were the pioneers of the commercial electroplating process and held Royal Warrants for several generations.
Pattern: Likely a classic Fiddle, Old English, or Hanovarian pattern based on the visible stem structure; these were staple designs for Elkington throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Type
Flatware
Maker
Elkington & Co. of Birmingham, England. Founded by George and Henry Elkington in the 1830s, they were the pioneers of the commercial electroplating process and held Royal Warrants for several generations.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base is a nickel-copper-zinc alloy coated with a layer of pure silver using electricity.
Dimensions
Standard table spoon or serving spoon dimensions; typically 20-22 cm in length. Weight is consistent with heavy-grade nickel silver, approximately 60-80 grams.
Description
A fine example of Victorian industrial excellence, this Elkington & Co. plated spoon showcases the hallmarks that changed the silver industry forever. While not solid sterling, Elkington plate is highly collected for its historical role as the first successful commercial electroplate.
Key Features
Distinguished by the specific Elkington shield mark with a crown, which is often mistaken by novices for a royal assay mark but identifies their high-quality plated line.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base is a nickel-copper-zinc alloy coated with a layer of pure silver using electricity.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with no visible surface engraving in the hallmark area. The design is minimalist and utilitarian, typical of classic British flatware.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The marks include: Elkington's date letter 'l' (lower case in circle, for 1849/1897 dependent on series), 'E & Co' in gothic script, a letter 'B' indicating the city of Birmingham, and the shield mark containing 'E & Co' under a crown (Elkington's manufacturer mark for plated goods).
Construction Details
Machine-stamped from high-quality nickel silver sheets followed by the industrial electroplating process popularized by Elkington's patent.
Functional Features
Tapered handle for ergonomic grip; solid construction designed for heavy household or commercial use.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle without inserts; the hallmark placement is on the reverse (back) of the stem near the bowl junction.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision die-striking with exceptionally clear hallmark stamps; the 'crown' over the maker's initials indicates their pride in being 'Manufacturers to the Queen'.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmarks are crisp and deep; 'E&Co' in gothic script is a registered Elkington stamp. The absence of a Lion Passant confirms it is plated, not sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England; manufactured at the Newhall Street works, which was one of the most technologically advanced factories of the era.
Era & Period
Victorian Era (Late 19th Century). Elkington was the dominant force in silver plate during this time, moving luxury aesthetics into the middle-class market.
Age Estimate
Circa 1897; the date letter 'l' and style of the gothic 'E&Co' stamps are consistent with late 19th-century production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury; before Elkington's process, only the very wealthy could afford silver-toned table services.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible surface scratches (swirls) from cleaning and use. The 'plate' appears intact with no significant 'bleeding' (base metal showing through).
Value Estimate
$10 - $25 USD. While historically significant, individual plated spoons have high supply and low intrinsic metal value compared to sterling.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver polish like Wright’s Silver Cream. Avoid abrasive pads which will strip the silver layer off the nickel base over time.
Similar Pieces
Sheffield plate (fused silver) which has a copper core, or Mappin & Webb 'Princes Plate' which was their contemporary competitor.
Interesting Facts
Elkington & Co. provided the silver service for the RMS Titanic and held a monopoly on the electroplating patent for many years, forcing other makers to pay them royalties.