Elkington & Co. Complete Table Service
By Elkington & Co.
Located in New Orleans, LA
This incredible table service by the esteemed firm Elkington & Co. is undoubtedly the most lavish commission the firm ever created. The service includes all of the table decorations and service items necessary to host a complete formal dinner, including everything from flatware and drinking goblets to elaborate serving dishes and ice buckets. Crafted in 1879-80, the service is housed in a large Gothic-style burled walnut chest with five fitted and felt-lined drawers. Each of the interior doors bears the Elkington royal coronet. The case is completed by four ornate bronze carrying handles. The top of the chest is marked with a brass monogram with the initials “RP,” as is nearly every single item held within the chest’s contents.
The set includes stunning table garniture and each of this set’s elaborate serving dishes is reminiscent of the finest epergnes ever made. These items include eight small presentation dishes, four larger dishes, two grand dishes and one ultimate centerpiece that is breathtaking in size and majesty. These objets d’art are further elevated by a gilt and crystal centerpiece made of phenomenal electroplate silver — Elkington’s original and revolutionary process. The largest serving dish measures an impressive 35” wide, and when the collection is assembled on a formal dining table or sideboard, the effect is spectacular.
Other items in the set include a pair of etched glass ice buckets with pierced silver-plate strainer inserts, engraved glass and gilt water pitcher, grape shears, delicate claw-shaped tongs and 24 Christofle gilt goblets. The elaborate set is completed by a sterling and bone fish flatware service comprising 18 forks and 18 knives and, finally, a breathtaking 125-piece partially gilt sterling flatware service.The flatware handles are topped with beautiful Minerva figures, and the blades of the knives each bear a different fish species or maritime scene. Every crystal bowl is finely engraved and carefully nestled in the case’s original green baize lining.
Elkington & Co. was arguably the most esteemed silver firm in Europe. The celebrated firm patented the first commercial electroplating process and held Royal Warrants for Queen Victoria, King Edward VI...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Walnut More Dining and Entertaining
MaterialsCrystal, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver
