Large Elkington Silver Plated Soup Tureen Victorian Aesthetic 16 inch Dated 1885

A large aesthetic movement decorated antique Victorian silver plated soup tureen by the renowned makers of Elkington and Co. This excellent quality oval shaped classic antique, decorative, large soup tureen has twin rope effect handles with bows to the ends and a high domed cover which also has rope effect looped removable handle. Both the base and lid have an engraved floral aesthetic movement design with a centrally positioned cartouche on the sides of the base. The front cartouche having a scrolling monogram that appears to be JB, the back cartouche is vacant.

The base has a stepped oval foot and gadrooned rim, as has the bottom of the handle. There is a slot in the lid in which to fit a ladle. Both the tureen and lid have a small discrete number 1 stamped on the left hand rims. The maximum capacity of this tureen is ten pints or 1 1/4 gallons or 5.68 litres, this is sufficient for about 24 - 30 people!

The underside of the base is stamped with the number 7454, it has the crowned E and Co in a shield, individual stamps of E M & Co and also the letter Z in a square (the date code for 1885). There is also the workman' s stamp the letter L.

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 partnership continued until 1861, when the company reverted to the earlier title of Elkington and Co.

The soup tureen is in very good antique condition, there is some very minor wear to the plate, notably on the edge of the lid handle, which is very slightly bent, minor wear to the handles. Minor marks commensurate with age and use. Please see the images. This is an outstanding example of an antique Victorian silver plated soup tureen either for use or for a collector of metalware or old silver plate. This tureen dates to the last quarter of the 19th century during the reign of Queen Victoria, circa 1885.

Free UK delivery when purchased at the listed price, international shipping at cost.

Overall Height 10 1/2 inches ( 26.7 cm)
Length 16 inches ( 40.6 cm)
Width 9 1/2 inches ( 24 cm)
Capacity 10 pints (5.68 litres)
Weight 2690 grammes unpacked