English Antique Silver Plate Rectangular Tray, C. 1920

This Great Quality “Old English Reproduction” Antique Silverplate Rectangular Serving Tray Has A Grand Measurement of 24” Length by 15 1/2" Width and dates approximately 1920. It is electroplated on a heavy copper base metal.  It is possibly of English manufacture rather than Canadian. The monogrammed marks on the back is that of a “Knight’s Head, the initial T and an Elk’s Head” that is followed by the inscription “Old English Reproduction”. The tray has an elaborate “Shell & Scroll” border with Roses on its handles. This frames the elaborate scroll work that decorates the interior of the tray. This tray has a nice weight and is not flimsy in its weight, feel or appearance.

COMMENT: Such a tray is great for party entertaining or for any festive occasion. It could scout any elaborate coffee and tea service as well.

CONDITION: This gorgeous large silverplate serving tray is in very fine condition except for minimal wear which is normal for any silverware of this vintage! It shines up nicely.

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.