Victorian Sterling Silver chased Bowl by Frederick Elkington for Elkington & Co., London, 1885
Hollowware (Bowl / Compote base) · Elkington & Co., specifically Frederick Elkington. Founded in Birmingham in the 1830s, Elkington was one of the most important silversmiths of the Victorian era, holding Royal Warrants and pioneering electroplating while continuing to produce high-end sterling silver.
Pattern: Persian or Anglo-Indian Style Chased Floral, typical of the Aesthetic Movement. It is a custom or cataloged chased design rather than a named flatware-style pattern.
Type
Hollowware (Bowl / Compote base)
Maker
Elkington & Co., specifically Frederick Elkington. Founded in Birmingham in the 1830s, Elkington was one of the most important silversmiths of the Victorian era, holding Royal Warrants and pioneering electroplating while continuing to produce high-end sterling silver.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The hallmarks confirm the metal is high-grade solid silver, not plated, despite Elkington's fame for electroplating.
Dimensions
Based on the hallmark size, the diameter of this base is likely 3 to 5 inches. Estimated weight for such a bowl base would be approximately 150-300 grams depending on the full height of the vessel.
Description
This is a fine example of Elkington & Co. sterling silver, showcasing the meticulous chasing that earned them international acclaim at the Great Exhibitions. The underside is as beautifully decorated as the exterior, featuring a radiant lotus flower motif centered around a crisp set of hallmarks. It represents the height of 19th-century British silversmithing.
Key Features
The central placement of hallmarks integrated into a floral chasing scheme is a distinctive Victorian luxury trait. The high-relief stippling and the specific 'FE' maker's mark are primary identifiers.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The hallmarks confirm the metal is high-grade solid silver, not plated, despite Elkington's fame for electroplating.
Finish & Decoration
Extensive hand-chasing and engraving. The central motif is a multi-petaled lotus or rosette featuring stippled (dotted) backgrounds and leaf-vein chasing. The style is mid-Victorian Aesthetic Movement with influence from Eastern / Indian decorative arts.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The item features a full set of British hallmarks for London: 1. 'FE' for Frederick Elkington (Maker); 2. Lion Passant (Sterling purity); 3. Leopard's Head (London Assay Office); 4. Date Letter 'K' in a shield (1885); 5. Queen Victoria's Duty Mark.
Construction Details
The piece was likely raised from a flat sheet and then hand-chased from the exterior. The hallmark shield shapes suggest they were struck into the finished item, a sign of traditional quality control.
Functional Features
Rounded stable base for a bowl. The centering of the hallmarks within a decorative medallion suggests this was the underside of a footed bowl or a small sugar basin.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles are visible in this view; however, many Elkington bowls of this era featured cast scroll handles or were designed as simple circular 'waste bowls' for tea services.
Craftsmanship Details
Superb chasing; the dots (stippling) are uniform and create a deep sense of texture. The symmetry of the petals relative to the hallmark placement shows a high level of planning and master-level bench work.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmark sequence is mathematically correct for London 1885. The depth of the 'FE' strike is consistent with authentic hand-struck tools of the period. The wear patterns on the edges of the base show age-appropriate softening.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, England. While Elkington was based in Birmingham, they maintained a prestigious London workshop and showroom to cater to the elite, using the London Assay Office for these pieces.
Era & Period
Victorian Era (1837-1901), specifically the High Victorian / Aesthetic Period (c. 1885). This period emphasized intricate surface decoration and global cultural influences.
Age Estimate
Dated precisely to 1885 based on the London 'K' date letter and the presence of the Queen's duty mark, which was abolished shortly after in 1890.
Cultural Significance
Pieces like this reflect the Victorian obsession with 'Horror Vacui' (fear of empty space) and the British Empire's fascination with Indian and Middle Eastern design motifs during the late 19th century.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The hallmarks are exceptionally crisp and well-preserved. There is some light surface oxidation (tarnish) in the crevices of the chasing and minor polishing swirls (micro-scratches) on the high points. No evidence of thinning or repair.
Value Estimate
Estimated at $400 - $800 USD for a single bowl, depending on the scale and complexity of the upper portion. The makers mark 'FE' carries a premium among Victorian silver collectors.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (Wright's or Hagerty). Use a very soft horsehair brush to remove tarnish from the intricate stippling without abrading the silver. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Similar Aesthetic Movement bowls by Martin, Hall & Co. or Hunt & Roskell. Elkington's silver is often heavier and more richly chased than contemporary mass-produced American pieces.
Interesting Facts
Elkington & Co. were the first to patent the electroplating process, but they remained one of the largest producers of solid sterling for the Royal Family, including Queen Victoria herself.