Middle Eastern Tinned Copper or Brass Calligraphic Tray
Decorative Object / Tray · Unknown regional artisan workshops, specifically from the Egyptian or Levantine tradition based on the Arabic script.
Pattern: Non-matching / Custom artisan hand-engraved calligraphic and geometric motif.
Type
Decorative Object / Tray
Maker
Unknown regional artisan workshops, specifically from the Egyptian or Levantine tradition based on the Arabic script.
Material
Brass or Copper alloy base; originally silver-plated or tinned. The yellow base metal is highly visible due to heavy surface wear. This is NOT solid sterling silver.
Dimensions
Estimated 30-45 cm in diameter; weight approximately 800-1200 grams depending on gauge.
Description
This is a circular Middle Eastern brass tray featuring a central Arabic maker’s stamp. While it may have once possessed a bright tinned or silver-plated facade to simulate precious metal, the plating has significantly worn away, revealing the yellow brass substrate. These pieces are staples of North African and Levantine metalwork, often used for serving tea or as wall-mounted decor.
Key Features
Central Arabic calligraphy stamp, visible base metal oxidation, hand-rolled rim, and secondary soldered hanging hardware.
Material & Composition
Brass or Copper alloy base; originally silver-plated or tinned. The yellow base metal is highly visible due to heavy surface wear. This is NOT solid sterling silver.
Finish & Decoration
Hand-engraved calligraphic central stamp and concentric circular tooling. Historically often tinned to mimic silver (silvered finish).
Hallmarks & Stamps
Arabic script stamp in the center, likely reading 'Muhammad' (top line) and 'Al-Sada' or 'Al-Sadeq' (bottom line), indicating a maker's name or workshop mark rather than a silver purity hallmark.
Construction Details
Hand-hammered and spun from a flat sheet of brass/copper. Features a rolled rim for structural rigidity and a crudely soldered wall-hanging loop on the reverse.
Functional Features
Functional serving tray or wall-mounted decorative charger; includes a soldered D-ring for hanging.
Handle & Grip Details
No dedicated handles; integral rolled edge serves as the grip.
Craftsmanship Details
Artisanal hand-hammered quality but produced for the mass market; visible hand-stamping and manual solder work.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of yellow metal underneath areas of wear and the lack of standard silver purity hallmarks (like the Egyptian 'Lotus' or 'Cat') confirm this is not sterling silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely Egypt (Cairo/Khan el-Khalili tradition) or Syria. Traditional hand-hammering techniques used in metalware suqs.
Era & Period
20th Century Middle Eastern export/souvenir or domestic ware; likely post-1950s based on the loop construction.
Age Estimate
Mid-to-late 20th century (c. 1950-1980). D-ring and solder style suggest modern utilitarian production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the long-standing tradition of non-precious tinned metalware in Islamic cultures, providing the visual prestige of silver at an accessible price point.
Condition Notes
Fair condition. Heavy loss of original surface plating; extensive oxidation, surface scratching, and verdigris spotting. Solder points for the hanging loop are oxidized.
Value Estimate
$20 - $60 USD. Value is decorative and utilitarian rather than based on metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water; if a bright finish is desired, use a brass polish like Brasso. To maintain the silver look, it would require professional re-plating.
Similar Pieces
Tinned copper Iranian 'Ghalam-Zani' trays (usually more ornate) or Moroccan engraved brass trays.
Interesting Facts
Trays like this were often part of Egyptian 'Tentmaker' or 'Copper' markets in Cairo, sold both to local families for household use and to tourists as 'silverware' alternatives.