Fantastic Find! "Old Sheffield Plate" Egg Warmer

This special piece was used as a stunning centerpiece on a Breakfast Buffet for a wealthy household.  This rare piece was made from "Old Sheffield Plate" in the early 1800's or earlier.  This is an elegant piece of history and exquisitely made cooker or boiler for eggs. There would have been an egg frame inside but it is not there anymore.  It has its original alcohol or spirit burner underneath.  The sides of the boiler are shiny silver with unique trim and handles.  It dramatically stand on tall acanthus legs with shell feet.  8.5 " tall x 9.5 x 7.5.  A true heirloom.  

'Old Sheffield Plate', an exquisite and rare craftsmanship not to be mistaken for the later and inferior 'SHEFFIELD PLATE' items, stands as a testament to the ingenuity of mid-18th-century British artisans. This unparalleled process involved delicately layering a sheet of lustrous sterling silver over a core of copper, skillfully heating and meticulously rolling it into splendid sheets. These precious sheets were then transformed into an array of opulent table items, ranging from intricate hollow-ware and resplendent trays to elegant candelabras, candlesticks, wine coasters, and, on rare occasions, even exquisite cutlery.

 Collectors hold this exceptional method of silver plating in the highest regard, acknowledging it’s craftsmanship and rarity. With the advent of electroplating, a groundbreaking innovation introduced by Elkington & Company in 1840, the production of 'Old Sheffield Plate' came to a halt, marking the end of an era defined by hand crafted ingenuity and unparalleled quality. Today, these pieces serve as cherished treasures, a testament to the unparalleled artistry and mastery that once graced the tables of the most discerning connoisseurs.