Silver? Serving Tray

Description: The item in question is a large, rectangular silver-plated serving tray with ornate handles and edge detailing. The decorative surface includes detailed floral and scrollwork engravings, with a central cartouche that appears slightly worn from use or polishing.

Dimensions: 16" x 21"
Weight: 7 lbs, 13 oz
Condition: Good – consistent with age; wear on the central engraving but otherwise structurally intact.
Medium: Electroplated silver (silver-plated), not solid sterling silver.
Markings: The hallmark image shows three symbols:

1. Crown – often used to signify Sheffield silverplate (UK origin).
2. Griffin or Lion with wings – a common symbol in silverplate marks from English or American manufacturers (e.g., International Silver or other 19th/20th-century firms).
3. Thistle – a strong indicator of Scottish origin or sometimes used to denote the pattern.

These marks are not traditional British sterling silver hallmarks, which would include a lion passant, date letter, and city mark. Instead, these are typical of silverplate pieces made in the late Victorian to early 20th century, likely from a British or American maker aiming for an elegant but affordable silver-like look.

Estimated Value (Retail / Private Sale):

• Current Market Range: $75 – $150 USD
• Auction Value (if verified as antique silverplate from a known maker): $125 – $200 USD

Appraiser Notes:

• This tray is an example of Victorian or Edwardian-era silverplate, commonly produced for middle-class households who wanted the look of sterling without the price.
• If you wish to verify the maker, I recommend contacting a certified appraiser or silver expert who can identify the hallmarks more precisely—perhaps someone with access to Bradbury's Book of Hallmarks or Kovel's Silver Marks databases.
• If the tray were sterling silver, its weight alone would yield scrap value over $200, but this appears to be plated.

Recommendation:

If you plan to sell, consider listing it as:
“Antique Silver-Plated Serving Tray, Ornate Handles, c.1900s, British/American Origin, 21””

For a formal valuation or sale in a higher-end marketplace, contact a certified appraiser via:

• ISA (International Society of Appraisers)
• [NAJA (National Association of Jewelry Appraisers)] for metal identification