Elkington Mason and Co Silver Plated Electrotype Cherubs Zodiac Tazza Salver

An antique early Victorian silver plated electrotype tazza decorated with cherubs and signs of the zodiac or astrological signs, made by the renowned makers of Elkington Mason and Co. The salver has a stepped round foot and decorative leaf pattern gadrooned rim. 

This excellent quality electrotype low footed salver or tazza has a low relief design with a central cartouche with a seated or throned cherub. He is surrounded by a low engraved geometric pattern incorporating circles with the twelve signs of the Zodiac. To the outside of this pattern is a band of stars. 

The outer border has four oval cartouches each one with a different scene of cherubs in various activities. One has them collecting grapes, one they are congregating around a fire, another they appear to be dancing and the last they are in a makeshift tent drinking and in conversation. Between these cartouches are four heraldic shield shaped motifs with scrolling stylised exotic orchid type flower.

The underside of the base has a small plaque embossed with Elkington Mason and Co Publishers, Fine Art Manufacture. There also is a stamped number 99 and what looks like a stamp HL.

Elkington & Co., was the world’s pre-eminent art-metalwork manufacturer of the 19th century. The company was founded by cousins, George Richards Elkington and Henry Elkington in 1836. In 1841 a partnership between the cousins and the the steel pen magnate Josiah Mason was formed, Mason provided the finance to assist with the development of the key elements of the art of electro-metallurgy which the cousins had patented. The Elkington Mason and Co partnership continued until 1861.

The salver is in very good antique condition, there is some very minor wear to the plate, notably on the high points. Please see the images. This is an lovely example of an antique Victorian silver plated electrotype for a decorator or a collector of metalware or old silver plate. This tureen dates to the second quarter of the 19th century during the reign of Queen Victoria, circa 1850.

Diameter 9 1/2 inches ( 24 cm)
Height 1 3/4 iinches ( 4.4 cm)
Weight 711 grammes unpacked