Elkington & Co. - Coffee and tea service (5) - Silverplated

Offered: a beautiful and rare 5-piece electroplated hotel-silver coffee and tea set, specially manufactured in the period circa 1955–1965 for the iconic five-star Claridge's hotel in Mayfair, London. Claridge's is renowned worldwide for its rich Art Deco history and legendary Afternoon Tea.

This set of heavy, durable quality is made by the world-famous English silver manufacturer Elkington & Co. (Birmingham), the absolute pioneer in electroplating and longstanding royal warrant supplier to the most luxurious British hotels. The set is executed in a sleek Mid-Century / Art Deco style with streamlined geometric lines and distinctive dark wooden handles.

The base consists of Electroplated German Silver (nickel silver): a lead-heavy alloy with a thick layer of pure silver on top. This is the very highest hospitality quality, designed to withstand daily intensive polishing without the red or yellow metal color showing through.

The set is unique because it is fully complete and consists of:
• 1x Tall coffee / hot-water kettle (with wooden handle) (H15cm W25.5cm diameter 12cm, 1.09kg)
• 1x Teapot (with wooden handle) (H17cm W25.5cm diameter 11cm 990g)
• 1x Sugar pot with lid (H10cm diameter 9cm, 469g)
• 1x Milk jug (H10cm diameter 9cm 354g)
• 1x Large accompanying serving tray with handles (41cm by 32cm. 1.64kg)

Marks & Inventory stamps:
As is customary with exclusive hotel orders, Elkington omitted the brand name in favor of the hotel name. All pieces bear the official hotel stamps. The specific letters and numbers display the authentic logistical system of the hotel kitchen, intended to quickly sort the ware during busy Afternoon Tea:
• The dinner plate is stamped with "CLARIDGE G" (referring to the heavy German Silver base).
• The serviceware (the jugs) is stamped with "CLARIDGE E" and "CLARIDGE 4" (the internal hotel codes for the contents/servings and the quality class).

Condition:
In very good vintage condition with a gorgeous sheen. Wear and light scratches commensurate with age and the authentic, intensive use in the hotel. No major dents or serious loss of the silver layer.

A splendid collectible for Art Deco enthusiasts, hotel-silver collectors, or British luxury history. The set will be shipped with meticulous, impact-free packaging.