Live Auction 2259Important Objects of Vertu, English, Continental and American Silver
Christie’s roundel
Lot 135

A VICTORIAN THREE-PIECE PARCEL-GILT SILVER TEA SERVICE

MARK OF FREDERICK ELKINGTON, BIRMINGHAM, 1886

Closed22 May 2009

Price Realised

USD 37,500

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A VICTORIAN THREE-PIECE PARCEL-GILT SILVER TEA SERVICE
MARK OF FREDERICK ELKINGTON, BIRMINGHAM, 1886
In the Homeric style, comprising: a teapot, cream jug, sugar bowl, teaspoon and sugar tongs; the hammered surfaces engraved with Greek letters and chased with classical profiles, with wood handles, marked on bases and covers, also stamped 18653 and Rd No 14069 on each peice
The teapot 6½ in. (16.5 cm.) long over handles; 20 oz. (640 gr.) gross weight (5)

Specialist note

The Homeric pattern is more closely associated with American silver designs, particularly the innovative works of the New York firm George S. Shiebler. Shiebler is best known for his use of classical figures in profile. This style was quickly copied domestically and also internationally, reflecting the growing influence of American silver designers in the 1880s.

A tea service of this design, in the collection of the Musée d'Orsay, is illustrated in De l'Impressionnisme à l'Art Nouveau Acquisitions du Musée d'Orsay: 1990-1996, p. 109