This is an antique Victorian silver-plated six-slice toast rack crafted by the esteemed silversmiths Elkington, Mason & Co. of Birmingham, circa 1880. It is in excellent condition, with minor tarnishing that could be polished out. The piece features several silver hallmarks as shown in the photographs, and the number 2065 is stamped on the bottom, which may be a company stock number. Its dimensions are 5.25 inches in height, 4 inches in depth, and 6.25 inches in length. Made in England.
COMPANY HISTORY: Elkington & Co. are one of the most important names in English silver and certainly the most important in silver plate. They began life in Birmingham as a company of silversmiths in 1836, and experimented with improving gilding techniques. By 1838 they had discovered and patented a new way to electroplate one metal on to the surface of another. By 1840 production was already underway with silver electroplated wares. The company received financial backing from Josiah Mason in 1842 (renaming the firm Elkington, Mason & Co between 1842 and 1861) and was extremely successful. It introduced electrotyping as a new method of production for silver plated items. Elkington & Co exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851 with enormous success.
