Description
This is a stunning turn of the century German Hallmarked European 800 Silver serving dish or small tray. Also known as antique European Continental Silver. The German hallmarks are from 1886 to very early 1900s. Just to the right of the hallmarks you will also see the makers mark for Johann Beck. This piece is quite detailed with elaborate flourishes throughout. The centerpiece is a romantic scene of a young man serenading a young lady while sitting on a bench amidst a clean with 2 dogs in front of the lady and 2 trellises in the background. The sides are highly ornate with reticulated open work throughout, small raised, rosettes, stringed and wind musical instruments, mandolins and French horns, along with 2 ornately decorated cartouches containing other forest figural pastoral style scenes. There are 2 additional cartouches that were never monogrammed or inscribed. Size of tray is 9″ long east to west by 7″ wide north to south by 2 1/4″ deep/tall. Weight is 232.4 grams. Overall condition is excellent, gently used having only 2 very tiny 2-3mm pieces of worn filigree. This is minor minor and not obvious at all. It may have occurred in the making as some areas of these piercings/cut outs are very thin. No deep scratches or gauges, no tears, no worn silver. It came from an estate many decades ago where it had been stored properly and kept well over the years. This is a lovely addition for your antique silver collection or formal dining table.
