Reference Object

White Star Line-pattern creamer attributed to Elkington (line-consistent; ship association unverified)

Object ID: RO-0004 Attribution: Line-consistent; vessel unverified Last reviewed: 2025-12-30

Primary Visual Evidence

Silverplate creamer with White Star Line-style flag motif and maker’s mark; side view with handle and spout
Overall view of the creamer as photographed: a silverplate vessel with a rolled rim, pronounced spout, and a wire-style handle. A stamped flag motif is present on the body.
Close-up of the stamped flag motif and maker mark on the creamer body
Recommended documentation: a tight close-up of the stamped flag motif and the cross below it.
Base view showing full set of hallmarks/date codes and any pattern or inventory stamps
The base and all stamps (including any date letter/number, “EPNS” or plating marks, pattern codes, retailer marks, or inventory numbers). Date mark of "K" indicates a production year of 1922.

Attribution Assessment

This object is a silverplate creamer attributed to Elkington and associated in collector tradition with White Star Line table service patterns. The visible body stamp includes a flag motif commonly used as a White Star Line visual shorthand in the collector market. Based on the images available, the piece is plausibly line-consistent (i.e., consistent with known styles and marking practices used on British-made steamship/hotel silverplate).

Importantly: while some White Star Line patterns are documented across multiple ships and eras, this page does not assign a ship (Titanic/Olympic/Majestic, Doric/Laurentic, etc.) from pattern similarity alone. Ship-level attribution requires one or more of the following: ship/inventory stamps, deaccession paperwork, a reliable chain of custody, or archival corroboration.

Attribution Level
Line-consistent; ship association unverified
Evidence Type
Maker/line-style stamp (partial) + object typology (pending base marks)

Historical Context

In the early 20th century, major passenger lines sourced large quantities of silverplate hollowware for dining service across multiple vessels and often across multiple refits. Makers such as Elkington supplied both maritime and hospitality clients, and patterns could be shared, updated, or reissued over time. As a result, pattern recognition can suggest a likely operator, but it rarely supports a specific ship without external proof.

Creamers of this type typically circulated in first- and second-class dining contexts as well as in pantries and service areas. Size alone (e.g., a reported “7 inch” example) does not map reliably to class or to a particular ship; the strongest identifiers are stamps, codes, and provenance.

Limits of Evidence

  • Ship-level claims (e.g., “Titanic-used”) are not supported by the currently available evidence. Pattern similarity is not proof of ship service.
  • The visible marks and flag motif are insufficient without provenance to tie it to a specific ship. Date mark "K" indicates a year of 1922.
  • Many maritime and hospitality silverplate pieces share generic forms (rolled rim, spout profile, wire handle). Typology helps with broad dating, not precise assignment.
  • Without provenance (paperwork/chain of custody), rarity and value should be discussed as market observations, not as historical certification.