Johnson & Hutchinson Ltd., Antique Silver Plate Rect. Tray, C. 1890-1900

This Absolutely Grandiose Antique Silverplate Rectangular Serving Tray was manufactured by The Renowned Silversmiths Johnston & Hutchinson Ltd., England. It is electroplated on a heavy copper base. The impressed monogram on the back is that of a “Cannon” followed by the words “Sheffield Reproduction, Made in England”.

This Antique Silverplate Serving Tray was manufactured in England during the Late Victorian Era. It dates late 1890-1900. It Has A Grand Measurement of 27 3/4" Length by 17” Width. It has an engraved “Pelican” in its center. The interior of this tray has very ornate hand chased work that is framed by an elaborate open work border as we approach the edge of the border. The edge has an elaborate combination of “Shells & Roses” with “Acanthus Leaves” perforation. The tray is eloquently executed by an elaborate handle at each end scouting an English Rose and Seashell.

COMMENT: This Very Large Silverplate Serving Tray is Extravagant in All Aspects And Would Be Absolutely Apt For A Presentation Dinner For A Very Special Event. It Is Indeed Superior Quality! Just Fabulous!

CONDITION: It is in very fine condition except for some bleeding of the “Rose Copper” base metal. The overall tray has very minimal surface scratching which is acceptable for a tray of this quality and antiquity. This normal bleeding adds to the Beauty & Charm of its Antiquity and we most certainly do not recommend re-silvering. However the option is yours! In this case, the purists would not recommend re-silvering such a piece.

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 at the bottom 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.