Victorian English Silver Plate and Cut Glass Centrepieces, 1883, Set of 2

This is an intricate and exquisitely made antique pair of English Victorian parcel gilt silver plated and cut glass centrepieces by the renowned silversmiths Elkington & Co., dated 1883. Each of these stunning centrepieces has a wonderful central round cut glass dish which is supported by a magnificently chased seated cherub holding a torch decorated with two lovely bacchanalia masks, grapes and leaves against a gilt background. It is highly decorative and at the same time very functional, making it ideal for displaying fruit. The base is further embellished with superb matching chased vines, grapes and flowers which are set against a fantastic gilt background. It stands on four fabulous chased feet, two of which feature outstanding chased fruits and the other two feature charming gilt oval cartouches. The underside of each centrepiece bears the makers' mark and the stamp of Elkington and Co. dating them to 1883, and the inventory number 16310. A lot of intricate detailing has gone into the creation of this beautiful pair, they are extremely well designed and attractive items that can only grow in value. 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 30 x width 28 x depth 28 Dimensions in inches: Height 11.8 x width 11.0 x depth 11.0 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.