English Georgian Style Silver-Plated Teapot, 1870

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This is an elegant and important English silver-plated teapot. Unfortunately, the hallmark on the bottom is heavily worn, making it difficult to interpret. We can estimate its manufacture around the late 19th century (1870-1880, Victorian period) in an artisan workshop in London. We suggest London because the most renowned and exclusive silver-plating workshops of the time were located there. Due to its excellent craftsmanship, this teapot undoubtedly ranks among the finest and most valuable pieces. As mentioned earlier, the teapot was produced during a period when the Victorian style was still influenced by earlier trends. The curvilinear design, featuring ornate details on the handle and lid, is characteristic of the Rococo style, known for its elegant and elaborate decorations. The teapot was crafted using the silver-plating technique, specifically through electroplating—a common practice in the 19th century. This method involves coating a base metal, such as copper, brass, or white metal, with a thin layer of silver deposited through immersion in an electrolytic bath. Initially, this process was known as "Sheffield Plated" to distinguish it from the now obsolete "Old Sheffield Plate." Later, it became simply known as "Silver Plated." The commercial success of electroplating is primarily credited to George Richards Elkington (1801-1865) and his cousin Henry Elkington (1812-1850). Overall, the harmonious design and elegant proportions lend this teapot a timeless, refined character and rich personality. The teapot shows a noticeable loss of silver plating on the lower part, but this does not diminish the appreciation of this magnificent piece. Measurements: width 26 cm, depth 16 cm, height 23 cm.