Description
Antique 1853 Early Victorian Sheffield Silver Presentation Tray – This is a wonderful dated 1853 presentation tray which was presented from father to daughter in 1902. It has early hallmarks, see photo. Likely an early Sheffield mark attributed to Mappin Brothers who partnered with Samson and Sons in 1846. Beautifully chased it has large open fancy scrolls, long tailed long beaked elegant birds, fanciful leaves and lovely flowers. It also has a deeply scalloped border with pierced open work throughout along with very unusual feet that are very wide/broad and have a raised nut fruit pattern surrounded by raised balls within a thick scroll perimeter. Size is 10 1/4″ across east to west, edge to edge. Height is 1 1/2″ from the lower curve of the scallop down to the bottom of foot. Weight is 1.2 pounds or 16.4 troy ounces. Condition is excellent, gently used. No dents or dings but quite a few surface scratches. If you look at the open work edge you will see 3 tiny solder joints where this was originally soldered after the piercing was completed by the original silversmith or they are very early silver solder repairs. They look more like solder joints from the original making. There are also 2 tiny 2-3mm spots at the corner of 2 piercings that need solder repair. These are very tiny and minor. Overall condition is excellent. This is a gorgeous early dated presentation piece for your antique estate silver collection.
