Elkington Department of Science & Art Silver Plated Electrotype Tankard, circa 1870 - 1890. Electrotyping is a chemical method used to produce a metal facsimile of an object using a mould of the original object. In 1867 fifteen Eurpean nations signed the Convention for the International Exchange of Reproduction of Works of Art, permitting Elkington to produce replicas of objects from the royal treasures of Germany, France, Russia and England. It was also used by the Victoria & Albert and British Museums to distribute copies of important metalwork items to provincial museums, libraries and schools. Such items carried the mark of the government Department of Science & Art, as well as the manufacturer.
The tankard is raised on three scrolled mask feet. The domed and hinged cover with a turned finial. The body and cover profusely detailed with birds, masks and symmetric foliage. Gadrooned detail to the borders.
In excellent condition with areas of light copper bleed.
Approximate dimensions are 20 cm height, 12 cm base diameter and 13 cm length.
Approximate weight is 614 grams.