Vintage Cavalier Silver Plate Oval Gallery Tray, England

An oval silverplate gallery tray by Cavalier of England, with a pierced arcade gallery, two shell-capped scroll handles, and a well engraved with flowing floral scrollwork. The gallery is the reason to look twice, a row of slim Gothic arches cut clean through the metal that reads almost like tracery when the light passes behind it. It sits on four ball feet and is generous in scale, big enough to stage a full drinks setup or a floral centerpiece.

[d]Dimensions | 21.75 in W x 14 in D x 1.75 in H

[d]Surface | Machine-buffed, with plate loss to gallery, well, and underside

[d]Material | Silverplate on base metal

[d]Period | Mid-20th century

[d]Date | Circa 1960 to 1975

[d]Origin | England

[d]Style | Edwardian revival

[d]Also Known As | galleried salver

[d]Maker | Cavalier, Birmingham

[d]Mark | SILVER PLATED, CAVALIER, MADE IN ENGLAND, stamped to underside

[d]Decoration | Engraved floral and scroll well, pierced arcade gallery, gadrooned rim

[d]Handles | Twin scroll handles with shell caps

[d]Feet | Four ball feet

[condition]

The tray is structurally sound and sits flat and steady on all four feet. The form is intact with no dents, no bends, and no damage to the pierced gallery. The plating shows honest wear from use. There is visible plate loss with copper and base metal showing through in several areas: along the gallery arches, in patches across the engraved well, and more heavily across the underside, where the surface is worn and mottled. The top surface carries scattered scratches, spotting, and areas of dark tarnish and discoloration, most noticeable around the rim and the shell handle mounts. The engraved decoration in the well remains crisp and fully legible. This is a piece that shows its age on the surface while remaining sound and fully usable, and the wear reads as character on a tray meant to be handled.

#17