What defines Victorian silver plate centrepieces?

Victorian silver plate centrepieces were ornamental dining table display items produced in 19th-century Britain, often combining electroplated metal mounts with hand-cut lead crystal or decorative glass bowls.

How were late 19th-century silver plate and glass centrepieces made?

These items were crafted by electroplating a thin layer of pure silver onto base metals such as Britannia metal or nickel silver, paired with glass bowls decorated through wheel-cutting techniques.

How can authentic 1880s silver plate centrepieces be identified?

Authentic pieces typically feature maker hallmarks, electroplate registration marks, or date letters stamped on the metal base, along with heavy hand-cut glass exhibiting sharp facets.

How can Victorian centrepieces be styled in modern interiors?

They can be displayed as focal points on dining tables, arranged in pairs on sideboards, or placed on console tables to add architectural structure and reflective qualities to a room.

What is the proper method for cleaning antique silver plate and cut glass?

Clean the silver base gently using a soft cloth and specialist non-abrasive silver polish to preserve the electroplated layer, while washing the glass bowl separately in lukewarm water with mild soap.

for sale €3,276 $3,556

£2,800

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Antique Pair English Victorian Silver Plate & Cut Glass Centrepieces 1883 19th C

19th century

For Sale by Regent Antiques

Description

This is an intricate and exquisitely made antique pair of English Victorian parcel gilt silver plated and cut glass centrepieces by the renowned silversmiths Elkington & Co., dated 1883.

Each of these stunning centrepieces has a wonderful central round cut glass dish which is supported by a magnificently chased seated cherub holding a torch decorated with two lovely bacchanalia masks, grapes and leaves against a gilt background. It is highly decorative and at the same time very functional, making it ideal for displaying fruit.

The base is further embellished with superb matching chased vines, grapes and flowers which are set against a fantastic gilt background. It stands on four fabulous chased feet, two of which feature outstanding chased fruits and the other two feature charming gilt oval cartouches.

The underside of each centrepiece bears the makers' mark and the stamp of Elkington and Co. dating them to 1883, and the inventory number 16310.

A lot of intricate detailing has gone into the creation of this beautiful pair, they are extremely well designed and attractive items that can only grow in value.

Condition:

In excellent condition with clear makers marks and no dings, dents or signs of repair. Please see photos for confirmation.

Dimensions in cm:

Height 30 x Width 28 x Depth 28

Dimensions in inches:

Height 11.8 x Width 11.0 x Depth 11.0

Elkington & Co

was a silver manufacturer from Birmingham, England.

The firm was founded by George Richards Elkington and his brother, Henry Elkington, in the 1830s. It operated under the name G. R. Elkington & Co. until 1842, when a third partner, Josiah Mason, joined the firm. It operated as Elkington, Mason, & Co. until 1861, when the partnership with Mason was terminated. The firm operated independently as Elkington & Co. from 1861 until 1963. It was then taken over by British Silverware, Ltd. In 1971 British Silverware, Ltd. became a subsidiary of Delta Metal Co. Ltd.

Over the course of history it became very successful and was one of the prime producers of silver plating. Elkington received various royal warrants of appointments. One of their most famous pieces is the electrotype copy of the Jerningham Wine Cooler, at the Victoria & Albert Museum.

Our reference: 09633a

Physical Dimensions

Height

30cm (11.81")

Width

28cm (11.02")

Depth

28cm (11.02")

Declaration

Regent Antiques has dated these Victorian Silver Glass Centrepieces to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA762960

Dealers Internal Reference

09633a

Description

This is an intricate and exquisitely made antique pair of English Victorian parcel gilt silver plated and cut glass centrepieces by the renowned silversmiths Elkington & Co., dated 1883.

Each of these stunning centrepieces has a wonderful central round cut glass dish which is supported by a magnificently chased seated cherub holding a torch decorated with two lovely bacchanalia masks, grapes and leaves against a gilt background. It is highly decorative and at the same time very functional, making it ideal for displaying fruit.

“

The base is further embellished with superb matching chased vines, grapes and flowers which are set against a fantastic gilt background.

Regent Antiques

It stands on four fabulous chased feet, two of which feature outstanding chased fruits and the other two feature charming gilt oval cartouches.

fig 1. A pair of Victorian silver-plated centrepieces featuring figure pedestals supporting diamond-cut glass bowls. — fig 1. Antique Pair English Victorian Silver Plate & Cut Glass Centrepieces 1883 19th C

The underside of each centrepiece bears the makers' mark and the stamp of Elkington and Co. dating them to 1883, and the inventory number 16310.

A lot of intricate detailing has gone into the creation of this beautiful pair, they are extremely well designed and attractive items that can only grow in value.

fig 2. A pair of Victorian silver-plated centrepieces featuring figure pedestals supporting diamond-cut glass bowls. — fig 2. Antique Pair English Victorian Silver Plate & Cut Glass Centrepieces 1883 19th C

Condition:

In excellent condition with clear makers marks and no dings, dents or signs of repair. Please see photos for confirmation.

Dimensions in cm:

Height 30 x Width 28 x Depth 28

Dimensions in inches:

fig 3. A pair of Victorian silver-plated centrepieces featuring figure pedestals supporting diamond-cut glass bowls. — fig 3. Antique Pair English Victorian Silver Plate & Cut Glass Centrepieces 1883 19th C

Height 11.8 x Width 11.0 x Depth 11.0

Elkington & Co

was a silver manufacturer from Birmingham, England.

The firm was founded by George Richards Elkington and his brother, Henry Elkington, in the 1830s. It operated under the name G. R. Elkington & Co. until 1842, when a third partner, Josiah Mason, joined the firm. It operated as Elkington, Mason, & Co. until 1861, when the partnership with Mason was terminated. The firm operated independently as Elkington & Co. from 1861 until 1963. It was then taken over by British Silverware, Ltd. In 1971 British Silverware, Ltd. became a subsidiary of Delta Metal Co. Ltd.

fig 4. A pair of Victorian silver-plated centrepieces featuring figure pedestals supporting diamond-cut glass bowls. — fig 4. Antique Pair English Victorian Silver Plate & Cut Glass Centrepieces 1883 19th C

Over the course of history it became very successful and was one of the prime producers of silver plating. Elkington received various royal warrants of appointments. One of their most famous pieces is the electrotype copy of the Jerningham Wine Cooler, at the Victoria & Albert Museum.

Our reference: 09633a

Physical Dimensions

Height

30cm (11.81")

Width

28cm (11.02")

Depth

28cm (11.02")

Date of Manufacture

Regent Antiques has dated these Victorian Silver Glass Centrepieces to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref