Sterling Silver Tray/Plate...Thingy. Sheffield, 1903.

You heard the title. Now what is it??



It's 6in across, 4.75in wide.



It's sterling silver for Sheffield, 1903...



What would something of this shape & size have been used for? Anything in particular?

I bought it because it was cute, but I can't figure out what its purpose might've been, if any.

 

It's possible that this was an underplate for something - like a gravy or sauce boat, I suppose.

 

Asparagus. Because...........

 

I hate asparagus, even if it is served with hollandaise!

Hollandaise is for Eggs Benedict and nothing else!! NOTHING I TELLS YAH!!

Would it have been a plate like this?

 

That's the idea I was suggesting, Shangas.

 

All the marks are on the top-side instead of on the bottom. That's a first for me. I've never seen that before.

 

Now all I have to do is find a 114-year-old sterling silver gravy-boat of the same style...

 

We'll hold your place on this thread while you do that.

(Sorry, Shangas, I simply could not resist. )

 

The British marked things on top as often as not; I think the theory was that the smiths ought to be proud of what they did. Americans tend to mark on the bottom, and the French and Portuguese tend to hide their marks wherever they happen to be able to hide them. That's designed to drive collectors crazy, or that's my theory. As for the little dish, if all else fails it'll make a great place to drop your car keys!

 

I suspect you're not interested in the maker because it no doubt makes no difference in value; however, the maker was probably Henry Wigfull of Lee and Wigfull. This mark has been found on items dating from 1893 to 1937. The items range from:

"Bowl, carving set (silver-mounted), caster, claret jug, coaster, dish, jug, mug, pepperette, salt, salver, spoon, tea service, toast rack, tray, vase"

http://www.silvermakersmarks.co.uk/Makers/Sheffield-H.html#HW

http://www.925-1000.com/dlSheffield2.html#M

--- Susan

 

Might have been for cartes de visite?

 

That was my first impression, but the central "divot" throws me off.

 

I vote for TV Remote control holder. Odds are the sauce boat holder idea is correct, but now... car keys, TV remote, cat toys.... Of course at Greg's house the tray would be a cat toy.

 

Put your divots back, please. Except Divot; he's a friend's dog and he'll put himself back when called.

 

Teapot stand.

 

It could be for a sugar-bowl or something. I dunno...