Italian Silver Tea Tray - Antique Circa 1800

This exceptional antique Italian silver tea tray has a plain oval form.

The surface of this Italian tray is plain and unembellished.

The raised rounded border is ornamented with fine and impressive applied rope twist decoration to the rim.

The tray is fitted with a pair of shaped silver handles, embellished with further rope twist ornamentation.

The reverse terminals of the handles feature the original, functional rivets which sit flush to the surface.

This impressive example of Italian silverware has a very good patination*.

The hallmarks struck to this exceptional Italian tray include:

Assay office/Zecca mark: St. Mark lion in 'moleca'

Assayer's mark: T/B G with a central fleur-de-lis (untraced)

* Patination or Patina is a subtle colouration or tarnish which forms on the surface of some metals, produced by oxidation or other chemical processes. A good patina proffers an aesthetically pleasing look.

Maker: Unknown

This antique Italian tray is a very good gauge of silver, fine quality and in excellent presentation condition, in keeping with age and type.

There are some natural fire marks to the underside and minor surface blemishes to the surface of the tray, as to be expected with such an original example.

The applied decoration is all sharp.

The Italian hallmarks struck to the underside of the tray, in multiple groups to the rim and underside of the handles are all very clear.

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this piece of antique silverware.

Length across handles 60.4cm/23.8"

Width 38.5cm/15.2"

Length of surface 47.1cm/18.5"

Width of surface 33.6cm/13.2"

Height to top of handle 8cm/3.1"

56.6 troy ounces/1760g