English Antique Silver Plate Rectangular Tray, C. 1900-20

This Gorgeous Clip Corner Antique Silverplate Rectangular Serving Tray/Platter is Silverplate On A Lovely Rose Copper Base and was probably manufactured in England. It really is difficult to state precisely which factory made it because it only carries a “Tankard” or “Beer Stein” mark on the back and says “Sheffield Reproduction”. We estimate it to have been manufactured approximately 1900-1920. It has a Grand Measurement of 24” Length by 14 1/2" Width. The tray is embellished with the popular “Grape/Vintage” Design/Pattern all over and is also applied to the handles. 

COMMENT: This Clip Corner Rectangular Serving Tray is of a somewhat unique shape in that it has “Clip Corners” which one does not often see. The shape is reminiscent of the Old English Ironstone Platters of the 1840-1850’s periods. It is truly an attractive platter that is worthy of any fancy buffet presentation or suitable dining occasion. It has the grace and elegance of the Victorian Era of fine dining. It could also grace the presence of an elaborate coffee and tea set. Whatever you should so desire its use, it is indeed an elegant tray that can make a classy gift for any occasion.

CONDITION: This attractive clip cornered silverplate serving tray is in fine condition. It has some copper bleeding through which adds to the charm of this antique tray.  It does have very minor surface scratching and some minor pitting near border. Re-silvering is an option but is not necessary. Purists would not recommend re-silvering.

SILVERPLATE CONDITION NOTE:

Some minor conditional problems that are a common occurrence or commonplace with "antique and vintage" silverplate pieces which are considered acceptable and by general standards considered as "patina" are minor or light surface scratching and slight wear or minor bleeding of the base metal which is generally copper, brass or Britannica metal.

• Teapots, Coffee pots and Jugs generally show some interior discoloration and pitting due to the chemical interaction of the tea, coffee or other beverages with the various base metals if left sitting for long time periods and not properly cleaned after each usage. Teapots almost always have discoloration on the "interior" bottom.
• Trays normally have light surface scratching and bleeding of the base metal. Antique and Vintage Trays almost always show surface wear on the reverse side (back side).
• Flatware, for example forks, knives, spoons, etc., because of their usage, will on many occasions exhibit some light surface scratching.
• Candlesticks, at the insert top section, sometimes will exhibit slight discoloration where the candle burns too low; also sometimes on the underneath side of the base, wear will show.
• Entree Dishes, if not accompanied with glass liners, will also sometimes have surface scratches from utensils while serving.

"Antique and Vintage Silverplate" are not "new" items and therefore will almost always exhibit slight wear (bleeding) and light surface scratching. Normally if there is any relief work, that is embossing or floral, many times will show slight bleeding of the base metal.

Many Victorian Art Nouveau and Edwardian pieces of silverplate will almost always show bleeding and sometimes need re-silvering. Re-silvering is frowned upon and is not always recommended by purists, especially when it comes to Georgian and Early Victorian silverplate. Re-silvering of really early pieces, Georgian to Mid-Victorian, can devalue pieces. Generally speaking, "re-silvering" is a personal matter of choice.