Old Sheffield Silver Metal Tea Coffee Service Late 19th Century

An old English silver-plated Napoleon III service including a tray engraved with arabesques, with handles, gadrooned border, a teapot and a coffeepot, a milk jug and a sugar bowl. The handles and grips are in ebony wood Maison Sheffield, mark and double hallmark on the reverse Small deformation for grip and slight wear of the top (visible photo) Period: late 19th century Dimensions: top 45 x 35 cm; coffee maker height 24 cm, width 23 cm; teapot height 20 cm; total weight 3.4 kg Good condition The Sheffield was created in 1742 in England by T. Boulsover. The objects were made using a copper plate covered with a silver plate, a process which was perfected over time, giving it a warm color and a velvety touch. It spread following the industrial revolution of the 19th century. The English Parliament regulated Sheffield production in 1784, requiring hallmarking, which would identify, among other things, the producers. In 1840, Mr Elkington patented silver plating by electroplating which replaced Mr Boulsover's double plate technique, and became today's Sheffield.