English Edwardian Inlaid Mahogany Serving Tray

Dating from around 1900, this is a very good example of an antique English large mahogany two handle oval serving tray. It is inlaid with contrasting wooden marquetry depicting flower and leaves in a central cartouche, typical design of the late Victorian and early Edwardian period. The continuous solid gallery is a thin ribbon of bent wood and each end has a well formed brass carrying handle, the photographs show how the design has little details that show thought, the handle is cast to provide maximum support and not stress the gallery.

The condition for the tray is very good, the wood is all sound, no splits nor repairs anywhere, and the handles are mounted and seated perfectly. Nothing is loose. The surface has been cleaned but not restored, so the original signs of use and patina are still apparent. Very little of the surface has any scratching, there are some minor blemishes and signs of use, but as one can see from the pictures it is minor.

The base may have had felt/baize pads at each end covering the threaded end and nut of the handle, but in its current state the honesty and originality of the tray is clear.

Size: The maximum at the base length is 590mm (23 1/4 inches) , the width 390mm (15 1/4 inches) and height base to top of gallery 35mm (1 1/4 inches) (note the size of the tray internal is approx 30mm less than the max length and width) It weighs: 1.325 kg ( 2 lb 14.5 oz)

This is a real beauty of a tray, honest, clean and in the best shape.

It is our normal policy to avoid excessive restoration on any item, we have found that the two schools of thought ( restore or not restore) are best served by offering sound, clean and ready to use items where the choice to go further is with the new owner.