Antique Victorian Silverplate Egg Cruet

I found this egg cruet in Farnham, England (in Surrey just outside of London). The antique shop where I found it is housed in a 17th century mill! Between us, I would have put most pieces priced at what this one was back on the shelf and moved on, but I just could. not. leave. it. behind. British silver pieces made within the past 500 years or so contain hallmarks that indicate, among other details, the maker, year it was made, and location where it was made. Silverplated pieces don’t always contain these hallmarks but this one does. The hallmarks tell us this egg cruet was made circa 1859 in Birmingham, England by Elkington, Mason & Co., a well-regarded producer of silverplated wares whose pieces were known for their quality and artistic designs. Elkington was the recipient of multiple royal warrants, and in fact, was commissioned by Queen Victoria and other monarchs in Europe to produce silverplated copies of royal silver pieces for the purpose of enjoying as art. Examples of the