Victorian Oval Silver Plated Tray by Mappin & Webb, 19th Century

Description

This is a magnificent antique English Victorian oval silver plated twin handled tray by the highly sought after silversmiths Mappin … more This is a magnificent antique English Victorian oval silver plated twin handled tray by the highly sought after silversmiths Mappin & Webb, Sheffield, circa 1880 in date. This splendid tray features beautifully engraved and embossed foliate and fruit decoration and the border is embellished by magnificent beaded and pierced decoration. There is an elegant cartouche to the centre which is surrounded by two stunning engraved cornucopia and is inscribed as follow: "Presented to Mr and Mrs George Ross Williamson Ross of Pitcalnie, on the occasion of their marriage by the Pitcalnie Tenantry 5 Oct. 1897". It stands on four charming ball feet. The underside of the tray bears the makers' stamp, Mappin & Webb's Princes Plate, London & Sheffield, and the registration number W8306. This magnificent tray is one of the finest examples of its type you could hope to acquire. Condition: In excellent condition with clear maker's marks and no dings, dents or signs of repair. Please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: Height 5 x width 68 x depth 45 Dimensions in inches: Height 2.0 x width 26.8 x depth 17.7 Mappin & Webb founded in 1774 by Jonathan Mappin, Mappin & Webb is one of the UK's leading retailers of Fine jewellery and silverware. Today, it is renowned for combining timeless craftsmanship with superior quality and contemporary design to produce exquisite jewellery, elegant silverware, watches and glassware. Jonathan Mappin opened his first small silversmith workshop in Sheffield in 1774 and the following year the Mappin mark was entered at the assay office. Over the next fifteen years Jonathan Mappin's reputation for producing high quality silver spread throughout Sheffield. From these humble beginnings the business grew steadily and soon the next generation were expanding the business further The first store was opened in London in 1849 at 17 Fore Street and was soon followed by stores in Moorgate and King William Street. In 1858, following rapid Expansion of the Sheffield factory, John Newton Mappin invited his brother-in-law, George Webb to join him in the business. The first association of Mappin & Webb was forged. Mappin & Webb is one of the UK's leading retailers of Fine jewellery and silverware. Today, it is renowned for combining timeless craftsmanship with superior quality and contemporary design to produce exquisite jewellery, elegant silverware, watches and glassware. Today Mappin & Webb is silversmith to Her Majesty the Queen and to His Royal Highness Prince of Wales. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution less