Antique Victorian Walker & Hall Sheffield Silver Plated Tea Urn / Samovar with Tap

A handsome antique Victorian silver plated tea urn or samovar by the well known Sheffield makers Walker & Hall, dating to circa 1880. The urn is made in the classical form with twin handles, a domed lid with finial and a front dispensing tap. The body is beautifully engraved with decorative bands, swags and classical ornament typical of late Victorian silver plate. The underside carries the maker’s mark for Walker & Hall of Sheffield together with the EPBM mark indicating electro plated Britannia metal. Inside the urn is the original cloth tea infuser bag used for loose tea leaves, allowing tea to be brewed within the urn and dispensed through the tap. Included with the urn is an original handwritten family note stating that the piece was given as a 21st birthday present in 1930. As the urn dates to the late Victorian period, it would already have been an antique or second-hand piece at the time it was given as the birthday gift. A decorative and impressive Victorian tea urn that displays beautifully and remains a fine example of late 19th century Sheffield silver plate. Walker & Hall: Walker & Hall were one of the most respected Sheffield silversmiths and silver plate manufacturers of the 19th century. Founded in 1845, the firm became renowned for producing high quality electroplated wares and silver and were later appointed Silversmiths to the Royal Household, supplying pieces to royal residences and leading institutions. Their work was widely exported and remains sought after today as fine examples of Victorian Sheffield craftsmanship.