ENGLISH TRIPLE DEPOSIT ANTIQUE SILVER PLATE OVAL TRAY, C, 1900

This Wonderful Quality Antique Silverplate Oval Platter/Tray is electroplated on a heavy copper base and is triple plated. It has two ornate handles for carrying purposes. The mark of manufacture is that of a “Railway Crossing” monogrammed on the back. It was manufactured approximately during the Late Victorian Era to the Early Edwardian Era in England. It measures 24” Long by 15” Wide. It has very ornate relief work in its border and on its handles. The design/motif is that of the “Grape/Vintage” Pattern.

COMMENT: For Those Of You Who Enjoy Quality Antique Silverplate Pieces, This Is Indeed A Fabulous Piece For You!  This “Grape or Vintage”pattern is highly collectible and many people assemble many unique or unusual pieces of this specific pattern into their collections. The abundance of this pattern makes this pattern popular, attainable and collectible and worthy of collecting. There are different factories that made this pattern which has been made since 1880 up to 1940. However, one should always look for quality pieces when collecting such pieces; preferably such pieces should be of substantial weight and always be on a copper base.

CONDITION: It is in very fine condition except for some bleeding of the beautiful rose copper base which is normal considering its age.  It does also have some very light surface scratching but is not serious. Re-silvering is an option; however with such old and beautiful pieces, the option of re-silvering is frowned upon by the purist and the copper bleeding through is considered to be a form of “patina” and adds authenticity to its age and charm, also to its value.

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.