1812 copper serving tray

Front of tray by Mimi44 posted Feb 27, 2020 at 12:17 AM

Etching by Mimi44 posted Feb 27, 2020 at 12:18 AM

I'm new to the forum but hoped ya'll could help me. I won this copper serving tray at the auction, and it's engraved. It says it was awarded to a gentleman in 1812. I didnt know if anyone has seen another like it for more historical information. Also, any idea of it's worth? I'm going to try and restore it

 

could ya perhaps post the pics here...under 1 mb ....as we old folks are not so good with links....

 

I tried but am not sure how to make the photo 1mb?

Will it not let you click on the link?

https://www.antiquers.com/media/front-of-tray.6305/full

 

https://www.antiquers.com/media/etching.6306/full

 

@Mimi44 - I think you have these links listed as 'private' - we can't view them.

 

Thank you for pointing that out! I fixed it

 

Try the link again. I changed the viewing permissions

 

edited - I see you figured out how to get them to post.

 

Thank you, yes I did.....new to this forum so sorry for the confusion. The album has 4 photos now. Here's another

https://www.antiquers.com/media/full-tray-front-view.6307/full

 

The tray was once silver-plated and all the silver has been polished off. The date I think will be 1872 not 1812 as this is an electroplated tray and electroplate hadn't been invented in 1812. In addition the style of the tray does not look like 1812.

It does however retain the convention of earlier laminated (old sheffield plate) trays by incorporating a "rubbed-in" sterling silver area so that the engraved portion could be executed without exposing the copper underneath.

I discounted the fact that this might be a late OSP tray as the wear would not be so even. Old Sheffield Plate, when polished away, never has such an even exposure of copper - there would always be areas where the silver overlay was thicker - and in those areas you will find traces of the old plate.

 

Have you washed it yet?
Don't use any kind of rough material. A sponge or very soft cloth, not a rag tee shirt they tend to scratch silver.
I have the feeling what you are looking at is tarnish and not copper.
Tarnish is not always black.

Hot water and soap.
Then on the back try a spot with silver polish.
If it is indeed silver plate, be careful not to let the polish dry in the crevices of the scroll edges.