Electroplate and Electroplating: A Revolutionary Manufacturing Process

This entry sits within the Decorative and Applied Arts Encyclopedia, a master reference hub indexing design history, materials, movements, and practitioners.

Electroplated nickel silver teapot with ivory additions, Birmingham, 1857, crafted by Elkington & Co., featuring intricate engraved designs and a decorative handle.
An exquisite electroplated nickel silver teapot with ivory additions, manufactured by Elkington & Co. in Birmingham, 1857. This elegant piece showcases intricate engravings and fine craftsmanship, reflecting the height of 19th-century silverware production.

The Origins of Electroplating

George and Henry Elkington of Birmingham patented the electroplating process in 1840. Their innovation marked a turning point in the decorative arts and manufacturing, allowing for the cost-effective production of silver-plated goods. Before electroplating, the Sheffield plate process was the primary method for creating silver-plated objects. In this earlier method, a silver-coated sheet was produced first, and the object was formed from the sheet. Electroplating, however, reversed this order, as the base object was first shaped and then coated with silver, making the process far more efficient.

Early Applications and Costs

Despite its cost-saving potential, the earliest electroplated items were not remarkably inexpensive. The 1847 Elkington catalogue listed engraved electroplated tea trays at £32, while an engraved electroplated tea kettle was priced at £17 (or £16 5s unengraved). However, as the technique improved and production expanded, prices dropped significantly, making electroplated goods more accessible to a broader audience.

Electroplated silver tea and coffee set on a large tray, featuring ornate engraved designs, crafted for serving at social gatherings in the late 19th century.
A luxurious electroplated silver tea and coffee set displayed on an ornate tray, reflecting Victorian-era elegance and social customs. Large trays allowed servants to bring tea equipment safely into the drawing room, where the hostess could serve guests without fear of spills. In 1888, Mrs. Beeton’s Book of Household Management recommended presenting tea on a silver salver for weekly ‘at home’ gatherings.

The Spread of Electroplating Across Europe

Although the Elkingtons perfected the commercial process, experimental electroplating had been conducted earlier, during the first decade of the 19th century. Recognizing the potential of this new technology, the Elkingtons licensed their patent to Charles Christofle of France in 1842. By the 1850s, Christofle produced large quantities of electroplated goods, particularly in the ornate Louis XV and Louis XVI styles. The elaborate embossed decoration common to these styles was much easier to achieve through electroplating than the traditional Sheffield plate method.

Napoleon III and the Rise of Electroplate in France

Seeing the benefits of electroplated goods, Napoleon III placed a large silver-plated dinner service in his palace, using it for state occasions. The ability to offer fine tableware at a reduced cost made electroplated goods an attractive alternative to solid silver. By the 19th century, all Christofle pieces were produced in both silver and silver plates, ensuring that households could maintain an air of luxury without the full expense of solid silver.

The Science Behind Electroplating

The principle of electroplating is based on the movement of metal ions in an electrolytic solution. An electric current is passed through this solution, causing silver (or another metal) from one terminal to be deposited onto the item attached to the other terminal. This technique allows for precise control over the thickness and coverage of the plating.

The Success and Legacy of Elkington & Co.

Elkington & Co. became a major household goods producer, employing over a thousand workmen when George Elkington passed away in 1865. His estate, valued at £350,000, was a testament to the success of electroplating as a manufacturing method.

Milton Shield, an ornate electroformed and damascened steel shield with silver plaques depicting scenes from Paradise Lost, created by Léonard Morel-Ladeuil for Elkington & Co., 1866.
The Milton Shield, an exquisite example of 19th-century craftsmanship, was created by Léonard Morel-Ladeuil for Elkington & Co. in 1866. Featuring electroformed and damascened steel with chased silver plaques, it depicts scenes from Paradise Lost by John Milton. This masterpiece won a gold medal at the Paris Exhibition of 1867 and is now housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Electrotypes: Art Reproduction through Electrolysis

Elkington & Co. also produced electrotypes, which were high-quality reproductions of sculptural works. They deposited thin layers of silver, gold, or copper using electrolysis onto sculpted models. This technique allowed for the production of intricate bronze sculptures with remarkable fidelity to the original works. A notable example is the Milton Shield, modelled by French artist Leonard Morel-Ladeuil, who worked for Elkington from 1859 until he died in 1888. This electrotype plaque won a gold medal at the 1867 Paris Exhibition and is now housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Markings and Identification of Electroplated Goods

Unlike sterling silver, which follows a strict hallmarking system, electroplated items do not have a uniform marking system. Instead, they were often stamped with the name of the country of origin and the maker’s mark or initials. Over time, collectors and historians have developed a more detailed understanding of these marks, allowing for better attribution and dating of electroplated goods.

Conclusion

The introduction of electroplating revolutionized the production of silver-plated objects, making them more affordable and accessible. This process enabled luxurious household goods to be produced at a fraction of the cost of solid silver, fueling the popularity of electroplated items in hotels, steamship companies, and private homes. Today, antique electroplated wares remain highly collectible, valued for their beauty and historical significance in the evolution of decorative arts and industrial manufacturing.

Sources

Cook, P. (1988). The antique buyer’s handbook for Australia (Rev. ed.). Reed Books.

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