Canadian Council on Boys and Girls Club Work Commemorative Silver Plate Presentation Tray, 1950
Hollowware (Small Presentation Platter/Tray) · Unidentified local manufacturer, likely a Canadian silversmith or trophy specialist such as Birks or Benedict-Proctor. The style and historical context suggest a commercial producer of silver-plated commemorative wares in mid-20th century Canada.
Pattern: Rococo-Revival style floral and scroll border pattern, commonly used for presentation plaques and trophies during the midcentury period.
Type
Hollowware (Small Presentation Platter/Tray)
Maker
Unidentified local manufacturer, likely a Canadian silversmith or trophy specialist such as Birks or Benedict-Proctor. The style and historical context suggest a commercial producer of silver-plated commemorative wares in mid-20th century Canada.
Material
Silver Plate (EPNS or Electroplated Copper). The visible dark spots of tarnish and the price point suggest a base metal (likely copper or nickel silver) with a thin electroplated silver coating.
Dimensions
Approximately 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) in diameter. Weight is estimated at 400-600 grams, typical for heavy silver-plated copper trays of this era.
Description
A historically significant Canadian presentation tray awarded to Robert Ross, a member of the 'Dominion Champion Potato Club Team' in 1950. The piece features a highly decorative scalloped rim with floral motifs, an enameled Canadian agricultural council crest, and detailed inscription. It represents a piece of agricultural history from the predecessors of the modern 4-H Canada organization.
Key Features
Dated 1950 inscription; 'Dominion Champion Potato Club Team' text; enameled crest; heavy Rococo scroll border; industrial silver plate construction.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (EPNS or Electroplated Copper). The visible dark spots of tarnish and the price point suggest a base metal (likely copper or nickel silver) with a thin electroplated silver coating.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror-polished center with machine-engraved text. Features an applied or stamped 'Rococo' rim with raised floral clusters and scrolled edges. Includes a multi-colored enameled crest (likely the 4-H or Canadian Council logo) at the top center.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped on reverse with 'Silver Plate,' 'EPNS,' or a specific maker's mark like 'B.P. Co.' or 'Birks Regency Plate.' The front lacks hallmarks as it is plated rather than sterling.
Construction Details
Machine-spun center with a die-struck or cast decorative rim soldered to the edge. The engraving is performed via machine pantograph rather than by hand-chasing.
Functional Features
Round shallow well for display or light service; features a commemorative inscription and enameled insignia for competitive agricultural recognition.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles; circular rim design allows for gripping at the edge or propping on a display stand.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial quality. The rim is well-defined, and the enameled crest is applied with precision. The engraving is deep and legible, though clearly machine-guided rather than free-hand artistic engraving.
Authentication Indicators
Inscription font is consistent with 1940s-50s trophy engraving. The enameled crest is typical of mid-century organizational insignia. Tarnish pattern confirms silver-plated material.
Origin & Manufacturing
Canada. Likely manufactured in Ontario or Quebec, where the majority of Canadian silver-plate companies like Birks and International Silver Co. (Canada) operated.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Post-WWII Canadian Heritage. Designed in 1950, reflecting the transition between traditional Victorian decorative styles and mid-century industrial manufacturing.
Age Estimate
1950 (Dated). Final production and engraving occurred precisely for the 1950 National Contests.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war importance of agricultural education and youth development in Canada. Such awards were highly prestigious in rural communities and reflected the 'Dominion' era of Canadian identity.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. Noted surface scratches consistent with age and display. Dark tarnish visible in the crevices of the floral rim. The center plate shows light 'cleaning swirls' or micro-scratches from past polishing. No visible peeling of plating.
Value Estimate
$15.00 - $35.00 USD. The current tag shows $18.00, which is fair for a silver-plated trophy with specific localized provenance. Use for silver scrap value is negligible.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild dish soap and water. Polish with a non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's) only when necessary to avoid wearing through the thin silver plating. Store in a dry place to prevent pitting of the base metal.
Similar Pieces
Birks Regency Plate presentation trays; early 4-H commemorative bowls; Wm. Rogers silver-plated platters. Differences include the specific custom enameled logo and regional Canadian engraving.
Interesting Facts
The 'Canadian Council on Boys and Girls Club Work' was the official name of what became 4-H Canada in 1952. This tray is from the final years before the name change, making it a transitional piece of rural heritage.