Al-Sharif 18/10 Stainless Steel Circular Serving Platter
Hollowware (Platter/Tray) · Al-Sharif, a prominent Egyptian manufacturer based in Cairo, specialized in mass-market stainless steel kitchenware and cutlery. They are well-known in the Middle East for durable, utilitarian household goods.
Pattern: Standard Plain Rim Series; generic production status, likely discontinued or replaced by modernized designs.
Type
Hollowware (Platter/Tray)
Maker
Al-Sharif, a prominent Egyptian manufacturer based in Cairo, specialized in mass-market stainless steel kitchenware and cutlery. They are well-known in the Middle East for durable, utilitarian household goods.
Material
18/10 Stainless Steel. This is not silver. The '18/10' signifies 18% chromium (for corrosion resistance) and 10% nickel (for luster and durability). It contains no precious metal content.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 25-35 cm (10-14 inches). Weight is likely substantial (500g-800g) due to the density of gauge steel used in mid-range Egyptian kitchenware.
Description
This is a functional, durable stainless steel serving platter by Al-Sharif. While it possesses a high-shine finish reminiscent of silver, the stamp clearly identifies it as 18/10 stainless steel. It is a workhorse of Middle Eastern hospitality, designed for serving meat, rice, or mezze in a domestic setting.
Key Features
Al-Sharif Arabic logo, 18/10 composition mark, rolled safety rim, and concentrated surface scratches consistent with metal utensil use on steel.
Material & Composition
18/10 Stainless Steel. This is not silver. The '18/10' signifies 18% chromium (for corrosion resistance) and 10% nickel (for luster and durability). It contains no precious metal content.
Finish & Decoration
Machine-polished mirror finish on the interior with visible circular brush marks from use. It features a simple raised rim (grenade or rolled edge) without ornate engraving or chasing.
Hallmarks & Stamps
A stamped octagonal logo containing the Al-Sharif name in Arabic script, '18/10 STAINLESS STEEL', and 'IN P.O.C.' (likely referring to Port of Cairo or a specific regional production code).
Construction Details
Machine-stamped and die-struck from a flat sheet of stainless steel. The rim is likely cold-formed or rolled for structural rigidity. This is a mass-produced industrial item, not a handcrafted silver piece.
Functional Features
Flat serving surface with a raised lip to contain sauces or liquids. Heat resistant and dishwasher safe unlike genuine silver.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles present; it is a standard rim-grip platter intended for tray-style service.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality. Excellent durability and symmetry, but lacks the hand-finishing, planishing marks, or delicate soldering found in fine silver craftsmanship.
Authentication Indicators
The '18/10 STAINLESS STEEL' stamp is the primary diagnostic. Steel is harder than silver, does not tarnish black, and has a slightly more blue/grey cold tone compared to the warm white of sterling silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Egypt (Cairo). Manufactured by Al-Sharif Group, following industrial production standards typical of the Egyptian metalware sector in the 1980s-90s.
Era & Period
Modern Era (Late 20th Century). Stylistically utilitarian, prioritizing durability over artistic movement.
Age Estimate
Circa 1980–2000. The stamp style and the '18/10' marking convention are consistent with late 20th-century production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the mid-20th century shift from traditional brass or silver-plated copper service pieces to modern, hygienic, and low-maintenance stainless steel in the Arab world.
Condition Notes
Good / Fair. The surface shows heavy 'swirl' scratching and scuffing from cleaning with abrasives and use of metal serving spoons. There is no tarnish (sulfide), as stainless steel does not tarnish like silver.
Value Estimate
$10 – $25 USD. The value is purely utilitarian for kitchen use; it has no bullion value and minimal antique/collector value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with standard dish soap. To restore shine, use a dedicated stainless steel cleaner. Avoid steel wool to prevent further scratching. Unlike silver, it does not require anti-tarnish storage.
Similar Pieces
Tramontina stainless platters (Brazil) or WMF (Germany). Key difference is the Arabic branding and the specific gauge/weight of Egyptian steel.
Interesting Facts
Al-Sharif was once a dominant name in Egyptian households, almost synonymous with high-quality 'eternal' cookware before the market was flooded with cheaper imports.