Elkington & Co. Silver-Plated Hollowware, likely a Tray or Dish
Hollowware · Elkington & Co. of Birmingham, England. Founded by George and Henry Elkington in the 1830s, they are the inventors and primary pioneers of the commercial electroplating process with a massive global reputation for quality and royal appointments.
Pattern: Pattern identification is limited by current imagery; however, Elkington patterns often followed classical, Rococo Revival, or neoclassical styles. The number 2936 is a design/pattern or stock reference.
Type
Hollowware
Maker
Elkington & Co. of Birmingham, England. Founded by George and Henry Elkington in the 1830s, they are the inventors and primary pioneers of the commercial electroplating process with a massive global reputation for quality and royal appointments.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base is a nickel-copper-zinc alloy (nickel silver) which has been electrochemically coated with a layer of pure silver.
Dimensions
Estimated based on the stamp scale to be a medium-to-large hollowware piece, likely 25–40 cm in length. Weight would be substantial due to the dense nickel silver base.
Description
An authentic piece of Elkington & Co. electroplated silver, showcasing the hallmark-style stamps used to denote high-quality British plate. Elkington was the gold standard for silver plate, providing durables that appeared nearly indistinguishable from solid silver at a fraction of the cost.
Key Features
The distinctive 'E&Co' in a shield under a crown; the presence of the number '2936' which serves as a catalog identifier; and the sequence of pseudo-hallmarks (E, L, S) often confused by novices for sterling marks.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base is a nickel-copper-zinc alloy (nickel silver) which has been electrochemically coated with a layer of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
The image shows a polished surface with significant 'scuffing' or 'patina' from heavy use. Typical Elkington pieces from this range often featured gadroon or beaded borders and occasional engraving.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The stamps include the Elkington & Co. trademark (shield with 'E&Co' under a crown), followed by individual letter stamps 'E', 'L', 'S' in cartouches (typical of their silver plate marking system to mimic hallmarks), and the pattern/catalogue number 2936.
Construction Details
Likely a combination of die-stamping for the main body and applied cast borders/handles. The electroplating process provides a seamless silver finish over the industrial base metal.
Functional Features
Functional hollowware designed for table service. The flat surface visible suggests a tray, salver, or the bottom of a large serving dish.
Handle & Grip Details
Not visible in the close-up, but Elkington pieces typically featured robust, cast nickel-silver handles often attached with silver solder.
Craftsmanship Details
The stamps are well-centered and crisp, indicative of Elkington’s high quality-control standards. Even their plated items were finished to the same visual standard as their sterling commissions.
Authentication Indicators
The markings are textbook Elkington & Co. stamps. The wear pattern is consistent with over a century of cleaning. The depth of the '2936' stamp suggests industrial die-stamping typical of the maker.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England. Produced in the flagship Elkington Newhall Street works, one of the most technologically advanced silver factories of the 19th century.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to Edwardian (circa 1880–1910). The style of the 'E&Co' Gothic-script mark and the cartouche shapes are characteristic of Elkington's late 19th-century production.
Age Estimate
Circa 1890–1915. The marking style and the specific Gothic font used for the company initials align with this high-volume production period.
Cultural Significance
Represented the 'democratization' of luxury in the 19th century, allowing middle-class households to own 'silver' that looked like the aristocracy's solid sterling but was durable enough for daily use.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is significant surface scratching and scuffing (heavy patina). There is no obvious 'bleeding' (base metal showing through) in this crop, suggesting the silver layer was originally very thick (A1 grade).
Value Estimate
$40–$120 USD depending on the specific form of the item. As silver plate, the value is based on utility and decorative appeal rather than metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid abrasive 'silver dips' that strip the silver layer. Use a gentle cream like Wright's Silver Cream and a soft microfiber cloth. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth to minimize the need for polishing.
Similar Pieces
Walker & Hall or Mappin & Webb silver plate pieces from the same era. Elkington is generally considered higher quality and more collectible due to its historical status as the plating inventor.
Interesting Facts
Elkington & Co. held a patent for electroplating given by the British government in 1840. They famously produced the Wimbledon Ladies' Singles Trophy (The Rosewater Dish).