Wine coasters were originally developed in order to slide bottles across the table during fancy dinner gatherings. They also protected dining tables from condensation and spills.

 

Elkington & Co.  was a British silver company founded in Birmingham, England by George Elkington and his cousin, Henry.  They quickly gained a reputation as one of the top silver companies of their time due to their silver plating techniques and creative design.  After constant experiments, in 1840 they patented their most famous invention - electroplating.  To electroplate, a base metal (such as copper) was covered with a thin coating of silver using electric current.  The result was the creation of silver pieces at very affordable prices.

 

Sheffield silver plate was produced in Sheffield, England from the mid-1800s.  Unlike solid silver, Sheffield silver plate was made of a base metal coated with a thin layer of silver.  This technique allowed manufacturers to produce pieces that looked like solid silver at a much lower cost.  Silver plate was popular for its affordability and for the intricate designs that could be produced on its surface.  Common items included candelabra, flatware, tea sets and serving trays.  Despite its lower cost, Sheffield plate is highly sought after for its elegant design and high-quality construction, making it a popular choice for antique collectors and silverware enthusiasts.