Eales 1779 Silver-Plated Handled Serving Tray (Pattern / Model No. 1743)
Hollowware (Handled Serving Tray / Butler's Waiter Tray) · Eales 1779 (Eales Silver Company, an American importer and distributor of silverplate hollowware established under the umbrella of Italian and European silver manufacturer networks in the 20th century).
Pattern: Traditional Rococo-revival pattern featuring acanthus leaf and scroll terminal handles, catalog or item number 1743.
Type
Hollowware (Handled Serving Tray / Butler's Waiter Tray)
Maker
Eales 1779 (Eales Silver Company, an American importer and distributor of silverplate hollowware established under the umbrella of Italian and European silver manufacturer networks in the 20th century).
Material
Silverplate over base metal (Electroplated Nickel Silver / EPNS or brass). Note the warm coppery undertone showing through the silver layer on high-wear handle areas, indicating base metal exposure.
Dimensions
Estimated length (including handles): 45-55 cm (18-22 inches); width: 30-35 cm (12-14 inches). Weight: approximately 1.5 - 2.5 kg.
Description
This mid-to-late 20th-century silver-plated serving tray produced for Eales 1779 features classic Rococo Revival styling, underscored by robust cast handles decorated with intricate acanthus leaf and scrolling motifs. Marked on the rim face with Eales' distinctive tri-shield pseudo-hallmarks and catalog number 1743, this piece offers the classic elegance of Georgian waiter trays in a accessible silver-plated format. While showing moderate surface wear and exposed base metal on the handles, it remains a functional and decorative piece suitable for barware presentation or vanity display.
Key Features
Tri-shield pseudo-hallmark stamped directly onto the upper rim, substantial Rococo acanthus handles, model designation 1743.
Material & Composition
Silverplate over base metal (Electroplated Nickel Silver / EPNS or brass). Note the warm coppery undertone showing through the silver layer on high-wear handle areas, indicating base metal exposure.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish with heavy oxidation and copper-tone base metal bleed-through on raised elements. The handles feature cast Rococo acanthus leaf reliefs, scrollwork, and foliate escutcheon mounts, while the tray body has a raised rim.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped on the upper rim face with three pseudo-heraldic shield marks: 1) Left shield with stylized bird/swan motif, 2) Middle mark featuring a crowned or ornate crest with 'E', 3) Right shield containing a dual-headed eagle or stylized heraldic emblem. Stamped '1743' elsewhere on the base or rim, indicating the catalog inventory/model number.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or die-stamped metal tray body with cast base-metal handles hard-soldered or mechanically attached to the upper border flange. Finished via electroplating.
Functional Features
Heavy-duty dual side handles for stable two-handed carrying of tea services, carafes, or barware; raised gallery rim to prevent items from sliding off during transport.
Handle & Grip Details
Substantial tubular arched handles terminating in elaborate cast leafy escutcheons. Shows significant surface plating loss along the top grip area, revealing red-copper/brass underneath.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercially produced electroplated hollowware featuring cast handles with crisp surface detail, soldered to a stamped sheet body. Typical mid-tier mid-century commercial silverplate standards.
Authentication Indicators
The three shield marks are decorative pseudo-hallmarks characteristic of mid-20th-century silverplate importers rather than official government assay marks. The presence of base metal wear on handles confirms silver electroplate rather than solid sterling silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Imported by Eales 1779 (USA/Italy/Japan production depending on production run); manufactured using industrial electroplating processes.
Era & Period
Mid-to-late 20th Century (c. 1960s-1980s) revivalist style drawing from 18th-century Georgian/Rococo design traditions.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970–1985.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-WWII boom in affordable luxury silverplate servingware for middle-class entertainment, allowing homeowners to recreate formal dining and tea service aesthetics at an accessible price point.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good condition. High points on the handles show pronounced plating loss (brassing/coppering), revealing the underlying reddish base metal. The tray bed displays moderate surface fine scratches consistent with usage. Tarnish and patina are present throughout.
Value Estimate
$20 - $45 USD (reflecting current silverplate market trends and visible plating wear on handles).
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a mild silver polish (such as Wright's Silver Cream) using a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or dip polishes, as further cleaning could wear away the remaining silver plating on high spots.
Similar Pieces
Silver-plated trays by International Silver Co., Leonard Silver, Sheffield Silver Co. (USA electroplate), and Sheridan Silver.
Interesting Facts
The '1779' in the Eales brand mark is a historical reference date used for branding appeal rather than the actual manufacturing date, which is typical of many 20th-century American and European silverplate companies created to evoke traditional heritage.
Notes
Also marked with 1743