Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 6

Elkington Silver Tea Caddy

About the Item

Uniquely designed in the form of a gift box tied with ribbon, this engaging silver tea caddy was created by the prominent silversmith Frederick Elkington, a partner within Elkington & Co. Tea was a revered commodity in Victorian homes and deserved an equally valuable and treasured piece for proper storage. For this object, the Elkington chose a highly intricate, low-relief chinoiserie motif of pheasants and peonies with gilt details. Known as one of the finest 19th-century producers of electroplate wares, Elkington & Co created pieces of individual and exceptional design. Founded during the 1830s, the firm invented and perfected the art and science of silver plating, and they were awarded a patent for this revolutionary technique in 1838. Soon after, they began receiving commissions from the most esteemed clientele and the highest honors at the International Exhibitions. The firm was the supplier of flatware to the luxury dining sections of the Titanic and enjoyed years of Royal commissions from Queen Victoria, Edward VII, George V, Edward VIII as well as the monarchs of Spain and Italy. Tea was introduced to England from China sometime in the middle of the 17th century and quickly became an expensive and popular item. The country's respect for this drink is reflected in the ceremonial way in which it was stored, prepared and enjoyed. This tea connoisseurship developed into something of an art form among the elite, and accordingly, a tea caddy like this was a must for true tea aficionados. Hallmarked Birmingham, 1876 Measures: 6 5/8" wide x 7 1/2" high.
  • Creator:
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 7.5 in (19.05 cm)Width: 6.63 in (16.85 cm)Depth: 6.63 in (16.85 cm)
  • Style:
    Victorian (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1876
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    New Orleans, LA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 31-47121stDibs: LU891130457182
More From This SellerView All
  • Elkington & Co. Silver Inkwell Of Henry Morton Stanley
    By Elkington & Co.
    Located in New Orleans, LA
    This exceptional sterling silver inkwell was presented to Henry Morton Stanley, the famed Welsh-American journalist, politician and explorer, on the occasion of his marriage to Dorothy Tennant. The inkwell was a royal gift from the Prince of Wales, the future King George V, and the Princess of Wales. The charming inkstand was designed by Walter & John Barnard for the royal silversmiths Elkington & Co., and no detail was spared in its creation. Each inkwell bears Stanley’s monogram, while the crest of the Prince and Princess adorns the delicately pierced tray. The inscription reads, “To H. M. Stanley on the occasion of his marriage / From the Prince & Princess of Wales / July 12th, 1880.” Born in Wales, Henry Morton Stanley’s lifetime of adventure began at the young age of 15 when he crossed the Atlantic aboard a merchant vessel and jumped ship in New Orleans. The young orphan was taken in by a local merchant named Henry Morton Stanley, whose name he took as his own. Stanley began a career as a journalist and was commissioned by the New York Herald to go to Central Africa in search of the famous missionary David Livingstone...
    Category

    Antique 19th Century English Victorian Inkwells

    Materials

    Silver

  • Silver Gilt Portland Vase by Elkington & Co.
    By Elkington & Co.
    Located in New Orleans, LA
    This magnificent silver-gilt Portland vase was crafted by the pioneering silversmithing firm of Elkington & Co. The iconic classical scenes are chased up...
    Category

    Antique 19th Century English Neoclassical Sterling Silver

    Materials

    Silver, Sterling Silver

  • Elkington Beverage Service Eight-Piece
    By Elkington & Co.
    Located in New Orleans, LA
    Crafted by the leading English silversmith firm of the 19th century, this rare and beautifully executed beverage service by Elkington & Co. is a fantastic example of the company's innovative electroplates work. Comprising an acid-etched pitcher, six goblets and a serving tray, the parcel gilt and silver plated service boasts an incredible repoussé and chased Baroque motif. Elegantly draped maidens attended by putti distinguish the set's design, which is similar in manner to the famed Venus Rosewater...
    Category

    Antique 19th Century English Victorian Sheffield and Silverplate

    Materials

    Silver

  • Electroplate Table by Elkington & Co.
    By Elkington & Co.
    Located in New Orleans, LA
    This remarkable and historic parcel-gilt electroplate table hails from renowned British firm Elkington & Co., the distinguished company that i...
    Category

    Antique 19th Century English Victorian Tables

    Materials

    Gold Plate, Silver Plate

  • 19th Century Elkington Garniture Set
    By Elkington & Co., W. Albert Willms
    Located in New Orleans, LA
    This incredible enameled silver plate and crystal dish set by Elkington & Co. represents one of that venerable company's first efforts at produci...
    Category

    Antique 19th Century English Other Garniture

    Materials

    Crystal, Silver Plate

  • Elkington & Co. Silverplate Charger by Morel-Ladeuil
    By Elkington & Co.
    Located in New Orleans, LA
    An important antique silverplate charger created by Elkington & Co., based on a sculpture by French artist Morel Ladeuil. Cast by one of the most significant and highly respected English silver firms in history, the classically-designed repoussé form displays an intimate scene of a lady being dressed by her attendants. Surrounded by a border of Greek anthemions and supported its elm and mahogany solid wood frame, this plaque is a tour-de-force of silver plate artistry. Elkington & Co. patented the first commercial electroplating process and held Royal Warrants for Queen Victoria, King Edward VI...
    Category

    Antique 19th Century English Other Sheffield and Silverplate

    Materials

    Silver Plate

You May Also Like
  • Silver Tea Caddy
    By E.G. Webster & Sons
    Located in New Haven, CT
    Antique silver plated tea caddy with high reliefs of a village scene surrounding the entire body of the tea caddy, illustrating musicia...
    Category

    Antique 1890s American Dutch Colonial Tea Caddies

    Materials

    Silver Plate

  • Dutch Silver Tea Caddy
    Located in Montreal, QC
    Of oval outline; the body repousse with scenes of merrymaking, after Teniers, the hinged cover with radiating design and pierced gallery. Very well-made, this is a cheerful Dutch box...
    Category

    Vintage 1920s Dutch Tea Caddies

    Materials

    Silver

  • Victorian Sterling Silver Tea Caddy/Box
    By Hukin & Heath
    Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
    A magnificent, fine and impressive, rare antique Victorian English sterling silver tea caddy/box in the form of a nutmeg; an addition to our silver teaware collection This magnifice...
    Category

    Antique 1880s British Victorian Tea Caddies

    Materials

    Sterling Silver

  • Antique German Silver Tea Caddy
    Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
    An exceptional, fine and impressive, antique German silver tea caddy; an addition to our silver teaware collection. This exceptional antique 800...
    Category

    Antique Early 1800s Tea Caddies

    Materials

    Silver

  • George III silver tea caddy
    By Charles Aldridge & Henry Green
    Located in London, GB
    Classic late 18th century silver tea caddy of oblong form, and featuring delicately hand engraved bands and swags around the sides, and ...
    Category

    Antique 18th Century British George III Tea Caddies

    Materials

    Sterling Silver

  • Antique Dutch Silver Tea Caddy
    Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
    An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Dutch silver tea caddy; an addition to our silver teaware collection This exceptional Dutch silver tea caddy has been realistically modelled in the form of a classic antique wine cooler...
    Category

    Antique 1890s Dutch Tea Sets

    Materials

    Silver

Recently Viewed

View All