Featured Chinese metal dragon tray

Hi folks

did some pics of the dragon tray i won at local auction

bigger than i thought 9 1/2 inches wide and substantial weight

haven't got a clue what metal it is, but don't think precious from the look of the base

any ideas about age, usage or material appreciated

 

I'd say it's pewter or nickel-silver.

I'd suggest that it's a pen-tray, or something along those lines, given the size.

 

Great info, thanks.

Looking into it, I think maybe Japanese now (always get that wrong!!)

And something called antimony which I've never heard of before

Surface is too rough for silver indeed

 

Something along the lines of

https://www.antiques-atlas.com/antique/19th_c_japanese_antimony_pen_tray/as339a063

 

Yes it appears to be Japanese antimony ware. The link says 19th century although I don't know of any being made that early, they are generally 1920's or 30's

 

Brilliant, thanks ce b

 

...isn't antimony dangerous? Last time I checked, they used it to manufacture...uh...digestive aids...during the 19th century.

 

As DD says, don't chew it and wash hands and you'll be fine. They are usually passivated with plating too which protects the metal below, although it often rubs off. It is alloyed too, but I'm not sure if this reduces toxicity. And for interest antimony oxide was used in babies mattresses as an anti-flammability treatment until fairly recently!

 

babies are flammable ????

who knew ?

 

"Antimony compounds have been known since ancient times and were powdered for use as medicine and cosmetics, often known by the Arabic name kohl." Kohl-can't be the same stuff used to highlight eyes ? I wouldn't use it as a tongue depressor or any other place either.

 

Lovely tray, @charlie cheswick -- and very instructive replies here!