Plate 19th century

This plate was made by Elkington and Co., renowned for their work in silver and other metals. The plate isn’t solid silver, but silver-plated. This means a base metal, like copper, has been coated with a thin layer of silver through a process called electroplating. Elkington was a pioneer of this technique, which allowed them to produce objects that had the appearance of solid silver at a fraction of the cost. Look closely at the intricate decoration around the rim, and the central motif of an eagle. These designs were likely created using a combination of techniques, including stamping and chasing, where the metal is carefully shaped using specialized tools. The adoption of electroplating by firms like Elkington had a huge impact on the decorative arts. It allowed for the mass production of affordable luxury goods, bringing stylish design to a much wider audience, and changing the landscape of consumption and taste in the 19th century. So, while this plate may look like a precious object, its true value lies in the innovative process that made it possible.