19th Century Victorian Silver Plate Jug from Elkington

This is a fine Victorian silver plated claret jug, bearing the makers’ mark of the renowned silversmiths, Elkington of Birmingham and dated 1864. This claret jug has a charming classical urn shape, stands on an egg and dart decorated circular base, features an elegant waisted neck, hinged lid with a fluted handle. The body of the claret jug is beautifully engraved with a classical Greek scene of dancing maidens. The unique quality and design of this claret jug will make it a treasured piece for any discerning collector. Condition: In excellent condition with clear maker’s marks and no dings, dents or signs of repair. Please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: Height 40 x Width 15 x Depth 13 Dimensions in inches: Height 15.7 x Width 5.9 x Depth 5.1 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.