Mauser Brand-Hier Co. 925 Fine Sterling Silver Dish or Tray, Glass Bottom, Unicorn Mark, Circa 1900

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Mauser Brand-Hier Co.
10" Rectangular Tray, 2 Compartments
925 Fine Sterling Silver, Glass Bottom, Unicorn Mark

This is a quite … Read more Mauser Brand-Hier Co.
10" Rectangular Tray, 2 Compartments
925 Fine Sterling Silver, Glass Bottom, Unicorn Mark

This is a quite pretty rectangular tray marked Brand-Hier Co., which I believe was made by Mauser Manufacturing of New York around 1900-1910 (before it was taken over by the Mt. Vernon Co. and Gorham). It has two curved handles on either end, open work around the sides, and a very clean glass bottom with an etched star on one side; there is a very neat removable separator that easily slides out to make one compartment (or to remove the glass for cleaning). I'm not sure of the purpose--perhaps a dresser tray? It seems unlikely to have been used for food since the sides are open and the glass is removable.

The piece measures 10 inches long across the handles, 4.25 inches wide at the middle, and about 1.5 inches high at the top in the middle (a little higher at the handles). It is in good condition for its age (I did not try to clean it at all, other than to brush off the dust). There is tarnish, most visible on the handles (and not as bad as it looks in my photos). There is also a little bending in the metal, most visible on one handle and on the removable separator, as you can see in the closeup photos.

There are 4 marks on the underside: Sterling 1, an impressed Unicorn mark, Brand-Hier Co., and 925 1000 FINE.

Please note that the price includes USPS Priority Shipping within the USA, including insurance.

Abbreviated History (from the 925-1000.com site)
The business was founded in 1887 by Frank Mauser in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. In the 1890s the firm moved to New York changing its name to Mauser Mfg. Co. The factory was located in Mt. Vernon with shop in 15th Street and, from 1904, in the more expensive Fifth Avenue at the corner of 31st Street. In 1913 the Mauser Mfg. Co merged with Hayes & McFarland Company of Mount Vernon, NY, and the Roger Williams Silver Company of Providence, RI, forming Mt. Vernon Company Silversmiths. Mt. Vernon Company Silversmiths was purchased by the Gorham Corporation in 1920. See less