Elkington, Mason & Co. is one of the most prestigious names in the history of British silverware. Their flatware dated 1859 is particularly significant because it comes from the final years of the partnership between George Elkington and Josiah Mason (which lasted from 1842 to 1861). By 1859, this firm was at the height of its innovation. They were the world pioneers of electroplating—a process that used electricity to coat a base metal with a layer of pure silver. Because of their high quality, they held Royal Warrants for Queen Victoria and were the primary suppliers for luxury steamships (including, much later, the Titanic). In 1859, ivory-handled flatware was typically part of a Dessert Service (fruit knives and forks). The handles are genuine ivory, the collar sterling silver and the blade/fork is electroplated. The set needs a silver polish but otherwise in good condition for its age.