Monumental Elkington & Co. Silver-Plate Epergnes

Circa mid-19th cent., three candelabra epergnes comprising a center candelabrum, and pair of candelabra, each standing on a mirrored plateau in a freeform naturalistic tree branch design supporting a crystal bowl, 6 pieces, hallmarked for Elkington & Co. (Birmingham, UK) the largest is 37.25 x 21.5 x 22 in., the two smaller are each 33.5 x 20 x 19 in.Elkington & Co. (British, 1861-1963) was founded in Birmingham, England by George Richards Elkington. Elkington entered the silversmith trade in 1815 as an apprentice to his uncle’s silver-plating business. Upon his death, George became the sole proprietor of the business and took his cousin, Henry Elkington, into partnership. The Elkingtons were responsible for patenting the first commercial electroplating process, as well as developing a reputation for high quality, grand decorative pieces. The firm operated independently as Elkington & Co until 1963 where it was taken over by British Silverware Ltd. Elkington & Co became very successful and was one of the prime producers of silver plating and as a result received various royal warrants of appointments.
Dimensions: 21.5 x 37.25 x 22 in