Antique Victorian Silver Plated 6 Bottle Cruet Set Henry Wilkinson Circa 1860

This is a gorgeous antique silver plated cruet set bearing the makers mark of the renowned silversmith family, Henry Wilkinson & Co, and circa 1860 in date.

The set comprises a beautifully decorative silver plated cruet stand holding six exquisite cut glass condiment bottles traditionally for chilli, soy, cayenne, vinegar, oil and ketchup.

The antique silver cruet features a central handle, has gadrooned edging with Rocco acanthus cresting and a decorative country scene on the frieze. It is raised on scrolled foliate clasp feet.

This is truly a special item and will attract the maximum amount of attention, the quality and craftsmanship are undeniable.

Condition:

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

Dimensions in cm:

Height 29 x Width 22 x Depth 22

Dimensions in inches:

Height 11 inches x Width 9 inches x Depth 9 inches

Henry Wilkinson & Co

It is difficult to trace the origin of the firm in the 18th and the first part of the 19th century, owing to the complexity of intertwined partnerships involving the numerous firms active in Sheffield in the silver business. The Chronology until 1829 is only a hypothesis largely based on Frederick Bradbury's book on Old Sheffield Plate (first published in 1912).

Anyway, Henry Wilkinson & Co, Plate Worker, Norfolk Street, Sheffield entered its first mark in the Sheffield Assay Office on September 24, 1831.

Henry Wilkinson & Co was involved in the manufacture of Old Sheffield Plate and was the second firm in Sheffield to receive a licence for the use of the electroplating system (1843).

Various pieces of its production were successfully exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851

Since the 1850s Henry Wilkinson & Co was active in London with James Price as agent and from 1857 with a Showroom at 4 Bolt Court, Fleet Street (later, Ely House, 13 Charterhouse Street, Holborn Circus).

Hallmarks were entered in London Assay Office in 1857 (by Henry Wilkinson) and 1879 (by John Brashier).

In 1872 the firm was converted into a Limited Liability Company under the style Henry Wilkinson & Co Ltd.

In 1892 the business went into liquidation and was bought by Walker & Hall.

CHRONOLOGY:

J.Winter c. 1760

Winter, Parsons & Hall c. 1770-1773

John Parsons & Co 1773-1787

J. & T. Settle c. 1815-1829

Settle & Wilkinson c. 1829

Henry Wilkinson & Co c. 1830-1872

Henry Wilkinson & Co Ltd 1872-1892 HENRY WILKINSON & CO

Sheffield

Our reference: A2510