Ottoman Style Tughra Marked Silver Octagonal Tray or Base
Hollowware (Serving Tray, Plate, or Stand Base) · Unknown Ottoman/Turkish silversmith; characterized by the 'Tughra' mark which serves as the official state seal of the Sultan.
Pattern: Traditional Ottoman Octagonal with Ball Feet; vernacular workshop production.
Type
Hollowware (Serving Tray, Plate, or Stand Base)
Maker
Unknown Ottoman/Turkish silversmith; characterized by the 'Tughra' mark which serves as the official state seal of the Sultan.
Material
Likely 800 or 900 Silver (standard for the region/period); solid silver throughout rather than plated.
Dimensions
Estimated 15-20cm in diameter; approximately 150-250 grams based on visible thickness and scale to the hand.
Description
An authentic Ottoman-era silver octagonal piece, likely serving as a base for a coffee set or a small tray. The item showcases the characteristic Tughra mark of the Sultan, which was the official silver standard of the time. The geometric simplicity is typical of utilitarian silver from the region, focusing on heavy gauge metal and sturdy construction.
Key Features
Single central Tughra stamp; octagonal geometry; spherical 'ball' feet; hand-hammered interior surface.
Material & Composition
Likely 800 or 900 Silver (standard for the region/period); solid silver throughout rather than plated.
Finish & Decoration
Hand-hammered plain finish (planished) with an octagonal geometric form, featuring applied ball feet and a central stamped hallmark.
Hallmarks & Stamps
A single recessed 'Tughra' mark within an oval cartouche. This represents the calligraphic monogram of the Ottoman Sultan, used as a silver purity and authority mark.
Construction Details
Hand-raised from a flat sheet with visible planishing marks; the octagonal edges are folder or forged; ball feet are cast and hand-soldered to the base.
Functional Features
Planar surface for serving or resting objects; raised edges to prevent spillage; elevated on ball feet to protect table surfaces from heat or moisture.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; the item features no handles, resting instead on integrated spherical ball feet.
Craftsmanship Details
Evidence of hand-wrought labor is visible in the unevenness of the underside and the manual application of the solder joints for the feet.
Authentication Indicators
The recessed Tughra mark is consistent with period stamping; construction shows genuine hand-soldering and manual hammering rather than modern machine stamping.
Origin & Manufacturing
Turkey (likely Istanbul or regional silversmithing hubs like Izmir or Bursa); traditional workshop manufacturing.
Era & Period
Late Ottoman Empire to early Republic period (Late 19th Century to early 20th Century).
Age Estimate
Circa 1880–1920, based on the style of the Tughra mark and the construction of the soldered feet.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Zarf' and 'Sini' culture of the Ottoman Empire, where elaborate coffee service and shared communal dining trays were central to social etiquette.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Shows significant surface oxidation, tarnish, and 'fire scale' underneath. Notable scratches and wear consistent with age. One foot appears slightly compressed.
Value Estimate
$150 - $350 USD depending on the specific Sultan identified in the Tughra and total silver weight.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a high-quality silver cream like Wright's. Avoid abrasive pads. Lightly buff with a microfiber cloth to maintain the patina in the hammer marks.
Similar Pieces
Persian 'Qajar' silver trays (usually more floral/engraved) or contemporary Egyptian silver (marked with a lotus flower or cat).
Interesting Facts
The Tughra was so important that if a silversmith used it on sub-standard silver, they faced severe penalties. Each Sultan had a unique Tughra, but small stamps on silver can be difficult to attribute to a specific ruler without magnification.