Victorian Three-piece Silver Plated Tea Set, Rococo Revival And Aesthetic Movement, C 1880s

Victorian silver plated three-piece tea set, Rococo Revival and Aesthetic Movement influence, c. 1880s

An elegant and highly decorative Victorian three-piece silver plated tea set, dating to the 1880s. The set comprises a teapot, a two-handled sugar bowl, and a milk jug (creamer), each showcasing fine Rococo Revival exuberance combined with the crisp naturalism of the Aesthetic Movement.

The teapot features a gracefully curved spout, an ornately cast handle with a shell motif, and a hinged lid crowned with a turned walnut finial. The sugar bowl and milk jug echo the same ornate design, with twin handles on the sugar bowl and a flared spout on the milk jug. Each piece is richly hand-chased with intricate swirling scrolls, stylised foliage, and geometric borders, and features two vacant cartouches allowing for engraving and personalisation — making this set especially suitable as a gift.

The bulbous forms and detailed craftsmanship exemplify the Victorian passion for luxurious yet finely balanced tableware. The set displays superb attention to detail, with crisp engravings that remain exceptionally sharp.

Historical Background
During the late Victorian period, silver plated wares became prized for bringing the refinement of sterling silver to a wider audience. Advances in electroplating techniques coincided with the Rococo Revival and the emerging Aesthetic Movement, resulting in designs that balanced playful ornamentation with disciplined craftsmanship. Sets like this were symbols of refined hospitality and are now cherished examples of late 19th-century decorative arts.

Measurements

• Teapot: Height 17 cm / 6.69″, Width (spout to handle) 27 cm / 10.63″, Depth 12.5 cm / 4.92″
• Sugar bowl: Height (rim) 13 cm / 5.12″, Width (handle to handle) 20 cm / 7.87″, Depth 11 cm / 4.33″
• Milk jug: Height (rim) 11 cm / 4.33″, Width (spout to handle) 15.5 cm / 6.10″, Depth 8 cm / 3.15″
• Total weight: 1762 g

Condition
Excellent antique condition. The interiors are exceptionally clean and the chased engravings remain crisp and detailed. Light wear to the silver plating is present, appropriate to age and gentle use. The base of the teapot handle shows a slight push into the body, and there is some mild pushing near the hinge of the teapot lid, neither affecting stability or function. The lid closes securely.

Shipping & Packaging

• Fully tracked and insured delivery.
• Shipping cost includes professional packaging, handling, and postage.
• Carefully packed using recycled materials.
• Customs paperwork provided where necessary for smooth international delivery.

Please review all photos carefully, as they form part of the description, and feel free to ask any questions.