Elkington Silverplate Charger

This highly important silverplate charger modelled by French artist Léonard Morel-Ladeuil is based on the sculptor's original design for a wedding gift to the prince and princess of Wales. The exquisite piece was cast by the legendary Elkington & Co., one of the most significant and highly respected English silver firms in history. Its classically-designed repoussé form displays concentric borders of allegorical figures representing Victory, Glory, Fame, Fortune, Love, Music, Peace, Plenty and Mirth, all surrounding a center medallion of finely engraved wheat and poppies. This exceptional design, aptly entitled The Dreams, was featured at the International Exhibition of 1862 in London.

Elkington & Co. patented the first commercial electroplating process and held Royal Warrants for Queen Victoria, King Edward VI, King George V, King Edward VIII and King George VI. French-born master sculpture Morel-Ladeuil joined Elkington in 1859, producing designs for the firm for a total of 23 years. This monumental charger is arguably the finest result of this highly successful collaboration. An almost exact example of the design is currently in the collection of the Musée d'Orsay (Paris).

Marked “Elkington/Morel Sadeuil/1862” and is supported with a solid wood backing.

Featured in the Catalogue of the International Exhibition 1862, 1973. 

Dated 1862

27” diameter