Burnell and Rowe

Description

Here we have a top quality Secessionist Style Silver Plated Tray from just before the First World War. The tray is diamond or lozenge shaped with a handle at each end. The ends of the tray and the handles are decorated with a series of geometric lines. In the centre of the tray is a monogram made up of the initials "N" and "T" and a date of Jan 1913. The tray was possibly a wedding gift to a couple with the initials "N" and "T" or to celebrate a significant event for an individual.

The tray is made in Geislingen, Germany by WMF (Wurttemburgische Metallwarenfabrik), one of the most important metalware companies in the world. Founded in 1880, they particularly flourished during the Art Nouveau and Secessionist eras and remain a hugely successful company today.

WMF produced three grades of silver plate and had their own unique marking system for them. I was their lowest quality plate, I/O was their standard quality and O was their highest quality. This stylish tray is made in I/O, which represented 1 g of silver per 10 sq cm of base metal. THE EP NS stamps mean that the tray was made for export to the UK as these weren't used on German domestic product.

Condition of the tray is extremely good with no plate loss and only the minimal superficial surface wear you have to expect after many years of use. Please make sure to view all the photographs.

The tray is a substantial size, stretching 52cm / 20.4" from handle to handle and 26.5cm / 10.4" from top to bottom. It weighs 864g / 30.47oz.

The marks on the underside of one handle are clear export marks with the I/O for WMF standard grade silver plate and EPNS for electroplated nickel silver, the British standard mark. It was not uncommon for WMF products specifically made for export not to have their company logo stamped on the product.

Shipping in the UK is £14 by Royal Mail Special Delivery Parcel Post, which covers the weight and value of the tray.
Overseas customers please ask us about shipping costs to your country before making a purchase.