Posted 13 years ago
spiritinth…
(135 items)
Hello My Antique Friends,
Well, I have had this piece in the basement for quite a long time, probably a tag sale purchase. I purchased it with detective work in mind and somehow busy with other pieces, it got lost in my jungle of antiques.
What I do know is the following. This is Elkington, I know by the markings its 1884 that's the year of the Y. I have done a ton of research and I am still befuddled! Why the stars on the backsides by the handles? And the ever so faint etching under the logo? The number 311, with a slash looking etch in the center of the backside? I have investigated the badger and motto, I understand the meaning, but don't understand what family it belongs to. I also curious about the stars as they seem to fit Joseph Seymour's logo! ANYONE? I look forward to the input.
Thank You,
Lisa
all of your items are beautiful -- what is the make up of the snake -- your first post -- the way it is welded reminds me of many things that i saw during my travels in romania -- also what is the weight in grams
Hi, Lisa. Beautiful tray and if one owns silverplate, then you can't do better than Elkington. Just a quick bit of info.
Are you sure it's plated over copper? Since Elkington developed the process of electroplating over nickel silver, it's possible what you think is copper might be rusted nickel. As you stated, it dates to 1884 date and I assume what I see in the photos is plating that is worn. If the plating wasn't as worn, the tray would be valued in the $900+ range. Regardless, it's gorgeous.
The crest for one of the four Homfray families is an "otter" wounded in the shoulder with a spear with the "motto" "vulneratur non vincitur" (thus, the translation "He is wounded, not conquered.") However, I don't see a spear in your crest. The heraldry books I referenced weren't published as late as 1884 and the only Homfray crest that has an otter "without the spear" has a different motto.
Sorry can't be of more help.
Thank You Solver!
During my searches I must have read it was over copper, I haven't revisited that item in a while. I will dig it out of the treasure chest and revisit at once!
Thank you!
TY Epson,
I am not sure of the weight... I'm going to dig it out!