What does co mean on silver?
It stands for “International Silver,” a cartel of silverware manufacturers formed in 1898 by 14 silver producers, the largest of which were Holmes and Edwards, Meriden Britannia, and Rogers Brothers.. The IS marking does not give any indication about the purity or value of the silver.
What does Elkington plate mean?
Elkington & Co. was a Birmingham silverware company producing fine silverware and silver plate. The greater durability of electroplate together with its affordability meant that it steadily ousted pure silverware, especially for the more functional items such as tea and coffee services.
Who invented silver plate?
The originators of silver-plating were George Richards Elkington and Henry Elkington who began their research in times of the Industrial Revolution. By the 1830’s they had patented their processes and 1840 saw the technique of electro-plating brought to perfection.
What does the letter N mean on silver?
Hallmarks on British sterling (L-R): Crown signifying city of Sheffield, lion passant, Letter n of a style dating piece to 1905, maker’s insignia for Walker & Hall.
When did the date change on the Elkington silver plate?
In 1841 and again in 1842 the mark was changed and a date number was added. The date number was in use from 1841 to 1848 (the 6 was reversed). With the beginning of the new series of letters in 1865 the mark was also changed.
What is the history of Elkington and co?
ELKINGTON HISTORY. Elkington & Co. are one of the most important names in English silver and certainly the most important in silver plate. They began life in Birmingham as a company of silversmiths in 1836, and experimented with improving gilding techniques.
Where are the silver marks of Elkington located?
There is a Blue Plaque commemorating him on the old Elkington Silver Electroplating Works (The old Science Museum), Newhall Street, Birmingham. The above information is drawn from Wikipedia.
When was the silver ink stand made by Elkington?
Hallmarked in London, 1885 by Frederick Elkington, this delightful, Victorian, antique Sterling Silver ink stand, is in the aesthetic style, featuring engraved birds and floral detailing, naturalistic style handles and feet, and beautiful cut crystal ink pots.
In 1841 and again in 1842 the mark was changed and a date number was added. The date number was in use from 1841 to 1848 (the 6 was reversed). With the beginning of the new series of letters in 1865 the mark was also changed.
There is a Blue Plaque commemorating him on the old Elkington Silver Electroplating Works (The old Science Museum), Newhall Street, Birmingham. The above information is drawn from Wikipedia.
When did Elkington delete the crown from its mark?
Elkington deleted the “crown” from its mark in 1898. In this case, being known the date letters of Elkington, we can date exactly the two marks. That in the left (with the crown) is 1887. That on the right (without the crown) is 1904. The firm became a Limited Liability Company in 1900. The “LD” indicates that the piece was made after that date.
ELKINGTON HISTORY. Elkington & Co. are one of the most important names in English silver and certainly the most important in silver plate. They began life in Birmingham as a company of silversmiths in 1836, and experimented with improving gilding techniques.
