Here we have a stunning Victorian sterling silver bachelor’s teaset attributed to Dr. Christopher Dresser, 1872-1876, Birmingham for Frederick Elkington (i.e. Elkington & Co.).
The marks for the teapot and creamer jug are Birmingham, 1876, Frederick Elkington. The marks for the sugar bowl are Birmingham, 1872, Frederick Elkington.
This charming set falls within the period that Dresser was designing for Elkington (1860s to 1880s), and bears strong resemblance to a later teaset he designed for James Dixon & Sons sold through Bonhams in 2025. Bearing many of Dr. Christopher Dresser’s design signatures of the 1870s, this piece is highly likely to be one of the pieces he designed for Elkington & Co.
Rich gilding to the interiors of the sugar bowl and creamer, as well as the fine engraving, show the influence that Japonisme had upon Dresser, striking a delicate balance between luxury and restraint.
Features include the geometric handles, fine engraving to the top, flat teapot lid and angular teapot spout. Dresser’s pieces possess a timeless appeal and have been described as a precursor to the Art Deco and Bauhaus design movements, remaining highly collectible to this day. A rare set sure to be of heirloom status.
References:
https://www.bonhams.com/auction/31357/lot/30/christopher-dresser-for-james-dixon-and-son-tea-set-model-no-2293-circa-1890/
https://www.bonhams.com/zh-hk/auction/17135/lot/1/christopher-dresser-1834-1904-a-presentation-electroplated-lidded-jug-by-elkington-and-co-circa-1865/
Price marked at $13750 AUD.
Measurements:
Teapot length 19cm from handle to spout, 13 cm height, weight 372 grams.
Sugar bowl length 15cm from handle to handle, 9cm height, weight 206.5 grams.
Creamer jug 9.5cm length from handle to spout, 7.5cm height, weight 107.3 grams.
Total weight of set 685.8 grams.
Excellent antique condition with minor wear overall commensurate with age. Marks crisp and well-struck. Teapot marked with pattern number 13051 to base. Gilt loss to teapot interior as pictured. Slight bruising to top of teapot handle as pictured.
