This fine pair of silver plated chalices were crafted in the late 19th Century by the famous Birmingham-based silver manufacturers, Elkington & Co.
Founded in the 1830s by George and Henry Elkington, the company grew to become both nationally and internationally recognised as the chief producer of fine quality silver plated wares. Elkington & Co. won numerous awards at the Great International Exhibitions of the 19th Century, and were the chosen suppliers of luxury dining ware for the Royal Family, including Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, George V, George VI, and several others.
Each chalice is formed with a wide lidded bowl, supported on a baluster-shaped stem that extends to a wide base.
The bowls and lids of the chalices are highly ornate, decorated with chased strapwork forms and foliate motifs. The lids are ornamented with semi-precious stones, which alternate with small, classicising figures, all of which are contained within a wavy border. Each cover is topped by a pinecone finial. The underside of the bowls feature projecting classical masks.
Similar chased scrolling vine decoration and semi-precious stone inlays cover the stems of the vases. The upper part of each stem features a classical egg and dart pattern, while the bulbous middle is decorated with relief medallions, depicting figures in the act of drinking wine or consuming grapes.
On each piece, leaf forms merge the stem with the base, which is ornamented in a similar fashion to the bowl, with chased scrollwork and gemstones. The rim is edged with a band of decoration, echoing that which encircles the lid above.