Sterling Silver Tea Tray by Elkington & Co - Antique Victorian (1874)

This magnificent antique Victorian sterling silver tray has an oval form.

The surface of the tray is encompassed with exceptional concentric bands of bright cut engraved scrolling leaf, water leaf, interlacing palmette and rounded pale decoration, segmented with simplified undulating and circular motif decorated borders.

The surface incorporates an oval cartouche to the centre, ornamented with the contemporary engraved coat of arms depicting a chevron between three stag's heads.

This exceptional coat of arms is surmounted with an impressive scrolling mantling and crest of a stag's head, in addition to the lower portion featuring the motto 'Nec temere, nec timide' - Neither rashly nor timidly.

The raised rounded border of the tray is encircled with fine and impressive cast and applied egg decoration to the rim.

This exceptional example of antique silverware is fitted with a fine and impressive pair of cast sterling silver handles ornamented with scrolling leaf and ram's head terminals and further scrolling decoration to the handpieces.

This exceptional Victorian silver tray, crafted by the renowned silversmith Frederick Elkington of Elkington & Co, and in this stunning condition, is the finest example of you could hope to acquire.

This antique Victorian silver serving tray is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional presentation condition.

The cast and applied decoration is very exceptionally sharp and the bright cut engraved decoration is very crisp.

Full hallmarks struck to the underside of the tray are all very clear; the hallmarks are struck deepy due to the exceptional gauge of silver.

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

Length 75cm/29.5"

Length of surface 57cm/22.4"

Width 48.8cm/19.2"

Width of surface 44.1cm/17.4"

119 troy ounces/3701g