Cloche; Elkington & Company, London; QS2007.7
Name/Title
Cloche
Cloche
About this object
Elkington and Co originated in Birmingham, England. The manufacture is credited with the invention of electroplating, the process of coating a base metal with pure silver. The company of Birmingham patented the process in 1840. The company hallmark consists of ‘E&Co’ crowned within a shield and a company date letter. This food cover’s date letter is a ‘D’, signifying the year 1889. Elkington was a very respected and popular silver manufacture known for their quality. This silver piece is a good representation of electroplating of the 1800s and is aesthetically significant for its design and craftsmanship. Elkington and Co produced many food covers during the 1800s however this particular food cover is rare because it bares the inscription ‘QS’ signifying that it was property of the Quarantine Station and only used in Quarantine. The food cover also has significant interpretive value. It aids in telling the story of the desire to build a first class precinct. It is part of the standards that first class passengers expected and the quality of comfort the station provided.
Elkington and Co originated in Birmingham, England. The manufacture is credited with the invention of electroplating, the process of coating a base metal with pure silver. The company of Birmingham patented the process in 1840. The company hallmark consists of ‘E&Co’ crowned within a shield and a company date letter. This food cover’s date letter is a ‘D’, signifying the year 1889. Elkington was a very respected and popular silver manufacture known for their quality. This silver piece is a good representation of electroplating of the 1800s and is aesthetically significant for its design and craftsmanship. Elkington and Co produced many food covers during the 1800s however this particular food cover is rare because it bares the inscription ‘QS’ signifying that it was property of the Quarantine Station and only used in Quarantine. The food cover also has significant interpretive value. It aids in telling the story of the desire to build a first class precinct. It is part of the standards that first class passengers expected and the quality of comfort the station provided.
Medium and Materials
Electroplated Nickel Silver
Electroplated Nickel Silver
Subject and Association Description
This food cover was manufactured in London and brought to the station after 1889. It was used in the first class precinct.
This food cover was manufactured in London and brought to the station after 1889. It was used in the first class precinct.
Collection
Quarantine Station
Quarantine Station
Credit Line
N/A
N/A
Object number
QS2007.7
QS2007.7
Tags
eHive copyright disclaimer
It is the responsibility of the eHive Account Holder to gain copyright clearance for any images or content published on eHive. If you are concerned about the copyright status for any content in eHive or would like more information on using or ordering copies of content, please contact the Account Holder of that content. If you would like more information on our copyright policy, click here.
© 2013
Vernon Systems Ltd