{"product_id":"victorian-silver-gilt-and-mother-of-pearl-fruit-service-by-elkington-co","title":"Victorian Silver-Gilt and Mother-of-Pearl Fruit Service by Elkington \u0026 Co.","description":"Victorian Silver-Gilt and Mother-of-Pearl Fruit Service for 18\u003cbr\u003e Frederick Elkington of Elkington \u0026amp; Co.\u003cbr\u003e Hallmarked London, 1880 \u0026amp; 1882 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This exceptional Victorian silver-gilt and mother-of-pearl fruit or dessert service by Elkington \u0026amp; Co. represents the finest level of 19th-century English silver craftsmanship. Comprising 18 knives and 18 forks housed in its original fitted burr walnut case, the service is remarkable for both its completeness and outstanding state of preservation. Examples of this quality, scale and original condition are exceptionally rare. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Each utensil pairs its luminous mother-of-pearl handles with finely engraved silver-gilt blades and tines. The original silk and velvet-lined burr walnut case preserves the service as it was intended to be presented, underscoring its status as a luxurious commission for formal dining. Hallmarked over the course of two assay years, the set bears Birmingham date marks for 1880 and 1882, reflecting the extended production of a commission of this quality. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Founded in Birmingham in 1838, Elkington \u0026amp; Co. became one of the most influential silver manufacturers of the Victorian era. Under the leadership of Frederick Elkington, the firm earned an international reputation for technical innovation and exceptional craftsmanship, receiving numerous royal commissions and exhibiting to great acclaim at international expositions. Sterling silver services by Elkington remain among the firm's most desirable creations, celebrated for their refined workmanship and enduring quality. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Case: 4\" high x 12 1\/2\" wide x 10 1\/4\" deep","brand":"M.S. Rau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45305883033735,"sku":"32-2868","price":12850.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/2471\/0466\/files\/32-2868_1.png?v=1784755236","url":"https:\/\/rauantiques.com\/products\/victorian-silver-gilt-and-mother-of-pearl-fruit-service-by-elkington-co","provider":"M.S. Rau","version":"1.0","type":"link"}