Elkington Silver Plate: Everything You Should Know

(Above photo - Silver Plate Epergne Centerpiece Dish - Victorian Gilt Swan Bowl )

Elkington Silver Plate refers to cutlery and utensils made by Elkington & Co, the pioneer, and inventor of the electroplating process. The company was founded in 1815 and started researching how to use electroplating in kitchen utensils. It perfected the technique and soon took patents for the revolution in 1836, 1838, and 1840.

The company, which an uncle had established to George Richards Elkington, soon changed its name to G. R. Elkington & Co when Henry Elkington joined the business. When Josiah Mason joined the company in 1842, it changed its name to Elkington, Mason & Co. In 1861, the partnership with Mason was terminated.

Why Was Elkington Silver Plate Popular?

(Above photo - Sheffield Silver Plate Epergene Centrepiece Dish Glass Bowl Camel )

There are many reasons for the popularity of the Elkington Silver Plate, including its affordability and durability. Once its business was up and running, it got permission from Queen Elizabeth to copy most of the royal plates. Other royal princes, kings, and queens also allowed the company to copy royal objects to recreate art.

Therefore, Elkington Silver Plate was of the highest quality, earning several awards, such as the Legion d’Honneur of the French Republic. Over the years, the company has held Royal Warrants from Queen Victoria, Queen Alexandra, King Edward VII, King George V, King George VI, and Queen Mary.

(Above photo - Silver plate Butlers tray )

The company created durable and affordable electroplated items. It was no longer necessary for people to purchase pure silverware since they could have similar-looking items without spending as much. Just about anyone could buy high-quality items for serving tea, coffee, and food. Many companies have acquired the electroplating process under license from the company.

Types of Elkington Silver Plate Items

(Above photo - Pair Silver Plate Centrepiece - Sheffield Epergnes Glass Dish )

When it comes to Elkington Silver Plate, you are spoilt for choice! Most of the items are for use around the kitchen, dining table, or for decoration. They include the following:

Card trays

Epergnes and centrepieces

Rectangular entrée dishes

Meat plates

Square trays with scalloped edged

Swing handle sugar baskets

Serving dish platters

Entre warming dishes

Cloche/food covers

Sauce tureens entrée dishes

Serving trays

Repousse pin trays

Snack/multipurpose dishes

Vegetable serving dish

Classical dish stand

Butlers tray

Chafing dishes

Twin serving dishes

Cake trays

Whatever you buy from this company, their items come with an unbeatable 40-year guarantee. They are 100 percent fully dishwasher safe, making them easy to clean. The cutlery pieces have a 99.999% pure silver coating in 35 microns. Since the silver is organically plated, it is difficult to wear out.

The base metal is 11% nickel silver. It is, therefore, durable and capable of withstanding the ravages of everyday use. If you are looking for durable antique silver plate items, those from Elkington have the highest quality. Besides, Elkington still produces silver-plated items, allowing you to get brand-new cutlery if that is what you want.

In conclusion,

Thanks to its relationship with British royalty, the company’s cutlery is on display in the banqueting room of the Royal Yacht Britannia. The British Royal Family and guests to the yacht have used this cutlery. So why shouldn’t you?