The Revolutionary Legacy of Elkington & Co.

At M.S. Rau, we present exceptional Elkington pieces demonstrating the perfect marriage of technological innovation and artistic excellence. The Elkington brothers' 1840 patented process using potassium cyanide as an electrolyte allowed ordinary metals to be transformed into extraordinary works of art that rivaled solid silver in beauty and durability.

Mastering the Chemistry of Luxury

Throughout their illustrious history, Elkington & Co. creations set the industry standard that competitors sought to emulate but rarely matched. Their meticulous attention to temperature control, solution agitation, and rotating electrode techniques ensured uniform silver coatings of unparalleled quality. From magnificent candelabra presented to Emperor Napoleon III to the elaborate service created for the Titanic, their diverse artistic influences encompassed Rococo, Renaissance revival, and neoclassical ideals, reflecting changing tastes across generations.

Proudly Featured at M.S. Rau

With historical significance and artistic merit, our curated collection of Elkington & Co. silver offers collectors the opportunity to own pieces from this prestigious heritage. Visit our New Orleans gallery or explore our collection online to experience the extraordinary craftsmanship that revolutionized 19th-century decorative arts and continues to be celebrated in the world's most important museums today.