As America celebrates the 250th anniversary of her independence, we are delighted to present a two-handled silver tray from the Philadelphia Centennial Expo in 1876.

This historic silver tray, made by Philadelphia's own R. & W. Wilson Company, was presented to the treasurer of the Centennial Expo, Frederick Frawley.

Frederick Frawley  (1804-1901) was a prominent  figure in Philadelphia. In 1824 he helped found the Franklin Institute and became its treasurer, senator of Pennsylvania, director and sometime president of Girard  College, trustee of the Philadelphia Gas Works, helped to found the National Board of Trade in 1868 and was its president until his death, trustee of the University of Pennsylvania  for 47 years and promoter and treasurer  of the Board of Finance  of the Centennial Exposition of 1876. He was also president of the American Philosophical Society from 1879

The tray features a rim applied with bands of beading and gadroons alternating with flutes, the surface engraved with flowers within oval cartouches and panels of trellis spaced with large scrolling leaves and flowers, with knopped leaf capped handles, on four bun feet.

Engraved in center:

 To The 

CENTENNIAL TREASURER

 of the

 City of Philadelphia 

1876 

Fine condition save for age-commensurate wear and soft lines. 

Length over handles: 26 3/4"

(68 cm.)

Weight: 95 oz

(2955 gr.)

Marked twice on the underside of the rim.