Falstaff Silver Plated Circular Serving Tray with Pierced Gallery and Engraved Floral Decoration

Circular silver-plated serving tray.
Raised pierced gallery around the edge.
Engraved floral and foliate decoration surrounds a plain central reserve.
Bearing the Falstaff name and Silverplated Collection mark.
Made in England.

Approximate dimensions

Diameter - 300mm (11.81")

Condition

The silver-coloured surfaces show areas of tarnish and discolouration, particularly around parts of the pierced gallery and borders. The surface may be polished if preferred.

Description

Circular silver-plated serving tray with a shallow flat well and a continuous raised openwork gallery around the circumference. The underside is stamped with the stylised name “Falstaff”, together with “SILVERPLATED COLLECTION” and “Made in England”. A further intertwined mark resembling “MR” appears beneath the cartouche.

The upper surface is decorated around a plain central reserve with an engraved circular arrangement of scrolling foliage, stylised leaves, flower heads and repeated vase or urn forms. Fine hatched and linear engraving provides additional detail within the larger foliate motifs.

The central reserve is enclosed by a scrolling frame composed of C-shaped and curling elements. Around the decorated field are several concentric borders, including a narrow repeating pierced pattern and moulded edge.

The raised gallery is formed as a continuous pierced band with repeating elongated oval or vesica-shaped openings. Narrow rows of smaller triangular or pointed openings run above and below the principal pattern, with plain metal bands defining the upper and lower edges.

Gallery trays of this type were made for serving drinks, glassware and table items, the raised pierced border helping to contain objects while also providing decorative openwork. Similar trays were widely produced during the twentieth century. The form can also be used as a dressing-table, drinks or display tray.

Object Type: Serving Tray
Age: Post-1940
Era / Period: Mid to Late 20th Century
Material: Silver Plated Metal
Finish: Polished
Production Technique: Pressed and Pierced
Decoration Technique: Engraved
Pattern: Floral and Foliate

Serving Tray Silver Plated Falstaff Pierced Gallery Engraved Floral