Large silver plated drinks and serving tray by Barker Ellis of Birmingham (70 x 26 cms); late Victorian to Edwardian (circa 1900-1906)
Product Information
This very high quality long size and weighty silver plated serving or drinks tray from the renowned Birmingham silversmith Barker Ellis may be dated stylistically to the late Victorian or Edwardian period ( circa 1900-1906) with its heavily decorated vine leaf embossed features to the edge and handles (with some pierced work) and chased leaf and floral engraving to the body of the tray itself (leaving a vacant cartouche central area for any personalised markings desired). The piece is of an unusually large elongated rectangular design measuring 70 cms from handle to handle (and 61 cms from border to border) and 26 cms wide, so would seem to have been made for serving and/or presenting drinks to a sizable gathering at a prestigious or celebratory occasion as opposed to being an individual dining tray; though of course it could also be equally well used at a party for serving 'nibbles' or canapés etc. Everything about this object speaks of quality, not least its overall weight, which at just over 2.5 kilograms makes even holding the piece empty feel like one is engaging with a very substantial example of a quality silversmith's art. Barker Ellis flatware is both highly desirable and - for fine dining, celebrating and prestigious occasions (think champagne glasses at a wedding etc) - still eminently functional and, as the photographs endeavour to show, it is offered in remarkable condition for an antique item of approximately 120 years old. While there is some very minor scratches to the underside (limited by the lovely roundel feet sections) and some very minor and unobtrusive pitting to the surface border section in places, the piece is in very good condition and shows no evidence of loss of silver plate (or copper 'bleed' due to excessive polish) and while such evidence of use does have its fans -including myself - it is probably not to be desired in a high-end piece if flatware to be on display at high-end occasions; which is why I am very strongly of the opinion that my asking price if £150 post free for this example is very good value indeed when the odd example of this very scarce item which does come to market ( almost always in more distressed condition) routinely have price tags attached of £250-300.