The Elkington & Co. Silver Octagonal Sugar Shaker (also referred to as a sugar caster, sifter, or muffineer) is a highly collectible vintage tableware piece. It is most prominently known for its Queen Anne or Art Deco revival styles produced during the 1930s.
Key Characteristics & Features
- Design & Form: Features a classic eight-sided octagonal body, typically sitting on a stepped pedestal foot. The top features a decorative perforated or pierced cover designed to evenly sift caster sugar or icing sugar.
- Dimensions: Most standard versions stand around 16 cm tall
- Materials: While Elkington did produce high-end sterling silver variants, the octagonal 1930s models are most commonly found in Elkington Plate (high-quality electroplated nickel silver or EPNS).
- Maker Significance: Elkington & Co. of Birmingham was a pioneer of the commercial electroplating process. Their pieces are celebrated for their thick, durable silver plating that rarely wears through to the base metal if cared for properly