Silver Salvers and Trays
Until the reign of George I, salvers were normally circular flat dishes and raised
on a central spreading foot and often called tazzas. From the eighteenth
century onwards, the central foot was replaced by three or four smaller swept feet
near the border of the salver.
A large Edward VII silver serving tray (FS17/231a) realised £2,700 in the silver
salver and trays section of a silver auction held in January 2013.
Salvers were no longer just circular but could be oval, square or rectangular. Because
of the large surface on a salver, it was an opportunity for the engraver to show
his craft. Often decorated with just an armorial, the decoration to the surrounding
surface became more and more elaborate while the use of scrolls, shells and foliage
within the border became more profuse.
An early George II waiter (FS17/218) went under the hammer for £250 during an auction
of silver salvers and trays.
'Waiter' refers to a small salver, normally with a diameter of 7ins (18cm) or less.
They are often referred to as card trays, as calling cards would be left on them
by visitors for inspection by the householder.
Trays did not make an appearance until the late eighteenth century. The term is
used to describe a salver when it has two handles for carrying. Trays followed the
same designs as salvers and, once again, it was an opportunity for the engraver
to show his art. Often late 19th century trays had heavily cast borders and handles,
often decorated with grapes and vine leaves, or scrolls and shells.
Specialists
 | Martin McIlroy
Department Head
|