ANTIQUE 19thC VICTORIAN SILVER-GILT WINE EWER, ELKINGTON & CO c.1870

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Antique 19th Century Victorian extraordinary and exceptionally heavy parcel-gilt silver ewer, of monumental scale and striking Renaissance Revival design. Amphora-shaped with a spreading foot, the baluster body richly chased and cast in high relief with a dramatic mythological scene: the marriage of Poseidon and Amphitrite, surrounded by tritons, sea horses, and other classical sea creatures. The lower portion and neck are finely chased with additional classical motifs, including quadrigas, putti, and goddesses, reflecting the grandeur of antiquity.

Hallmarked English Sterling Silver (925), Birmingham, year 1870 (V), and bears the maker's mark FE for Frederick Elkington, one of the key figures behind the success of Elkington & Co. The underside is engraved "Elkington & Co, 22 Regent Street, London", denoting the firm's prestigious retail location.

Reference Number: C11072

Antique 19th Century Victorian extraordinary and exceptionally heavy parcel-gilt silver ewer, of monumental scale and striking Renaissance Revival design. Amphora-shaped with a spreading foot, the baluster body richly chased and cast in high relief with a dramatic mythological scene: the marriage of Poseidon and Amphitrite, surrounded by tritons, sea horses, and other classical sea creatures. The lower portion and neck are finely chased with additional classical motifs, including quadrigas, putti, and goddesses, reflecting the grandeur of antiquity.

Hallmarked English Sterling Silver (925), Birmingham, year 1870 (V), and bears the maker's mark FE for Frederick Elkington, one of the key figures behind the success of Elkington & Co. The underside is engraved "Elkington & Co, 22 Regent Street, London", denoting the firm's prestigious retail location.

Reference Number: C11072

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The cast handle is particularly elaborate, formed as C-shaped figural grips, depicting a winged mythological figure rising from a gilt mask, extending to meet a parcel-gilt dolphin — a hallmark of the imaginative craftsmanship typical of the period. The interiors and select design elements are highlighted with parcel gilding, lending contrast and opulence.

The design is strongly attributed to Pierre-Émile Jeannest (1813–1857), the celebrated French designer renowned for his work with Elkington & Co. and Minton & Co., and noted for his contributions to the Renaissance Revival and eclectic styles. His influence is evident in the dynamic sculptural forms and densely layered classical themes.

Ewer bears an inscription to the neck: "George Biddulph, Any Rifle Association Cup, 1874", linking it to George Biddulph, a prominent 19th-century British banker and sportsman. Biddulph was known for his association with the National Rifle Association (NRA) and his participation in shooting competitions of the era, suggesting this piece may have been awarded in recognition of marksmanship or sporting achievement.

This ewer is not only remarkable works of silversmithing and design, but they also carry historical significance, combining artistry, mythology, and Victorian sporting heritage. Despite the museum-quality aesthetic, it remain structurally sound and could be used functionally today.

CONDITION

In Great Condition - Wear expected with age. Please refer to photographs. 

SIZE

Height: 36 cm // 14.17 inches
Width: 18 cm // 7.09 inches
Depth: 13 cm // 5.12 inches
Weight: 1025g // 32.97 ozt