This tray is old English Silver Plate, called Old Sheffield Plate, that is very different from dipped silver plate. The silver is actually rolled on over a copper base. I bought it years ago even though the left handle was broken off because I loved the large hand engraved armorial crest in the center.
It must have had an important owner at one time.
I went to google translate for the inscription.
fide et spe
"The faith, and the hope of."
Now I love it even more.
If these old things could only talk!
xo
4 comments:
Lovely tray. Indeed, if these old things could speak, what a story they might tell. We should treasure them, even if they're not perfect. The imperfections themselves make the history.
Tasha T -- I agree. The flaws and minor damage didn't stop me from buying this tray and it's perfect to me. xo, Rosemary
That tray is definitely a treasure, Rosemary. Rolling silver must have been painstaking work!
Pam -- My tray is a treasure, for sure. Old Sheffield Plate was always over a copper base and after 1830 the process was discontinued by Electroplate over a base of white metal. Mine is an early example and I love the armorial crest. xo, Rosemary
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