Walker & Hall Silver-Plated Table Tray or Dish
Hollowware (Tray/Dish) · Walker & Hall of Sheffield, England. Founded by George Walker in 1845, the company became a prominent manufacturer of high-quality silver and silver plate, eventually holding Royal Warrants and becoming a household name in British luxury goods.
Pattern: Undetermined Scalloped-Edge Pattern. Walker & Hall produced numerous variations of gadroon and shell borders; this specific piece features a classic undulating scallop typical of early 20th-century service ware.
Type
Hollowware (Tray/Dish)
Maker
Walker & Hall of Sheffield, England. Founded by George Walker in 1845, the company became a prominent manufacturer of high-quality silver and silver plate, eventually holding Royal Warrants and becoming a household name in British luxury goods.
Material
Silver Plate on Copper or Nickel Silver (EPBS/EPNS). The image shows 'bleeding' or warm copper-toned oxidation along the rim edge, a hallmark of Sheffield-style plating where the silver has worn away to reveal the base metal.
Dimensions
Estimated 8 to 12 inches in length. Being silver-plated, the weight is primarily derived from the base metal, but likely feels substantial (approx. 400-600g) due to Walker & Hall's high manufacturing standards.
Description
This Walker & Hall silver-plated dish is a classic example of British hotel-ware quality service silver. Featuring a charming scalloped rim that catches the light, the piece balances utility with the refined elegance Sheffield makers are known for. While not sterling, the 'W & H' mark ensures a level of durability and plating thickness that was intended to last generations of daily use.
Key Features
The distinctive 'W & H' triple-shield hallmark and the high-relief scalloped edge. The presence of a five-digit serial number is a diagnostic trait of Walker & Hall's catalog tracking system.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate on Copper or Nickel Silver (EPBS/EPNS). The image shows 'bleeding' or warm copper-toned oxidation along the rim edge, a hallmark of Sheffield-style plating where the silver has worn away to reveal the base metal.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with a scalloped/wavy rim. The design is understated, relying on the elegant silhouette of the border rather than heavy engraving or chasing, typical of Edwardian or early Art Deco utility silver.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'W & H' in three separate shields, which is the trademark for Walker & Hall. Below the maker's initials is the production/catalog number '15723'. The absence of a lion passant indicates it is silver plate, not sterling silver.
Construction Details
Likely die-struck or spun with an applied or shaped decorative rim. The surface shows heavy 'spider-web' scratching consistent with decades of use and cleaning with abrasive materials.
Functional Features
Flat-bottomed serving surface with raised decorative walls to prevent spills. It is a multipurpose service dish for bread, appetizers, or as a vanity tray for accessories.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles present on this specific form; the scalloped rim provides the aesthetic focal point and a slight grip for lifting.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-pressed body with hand-finished rim polishing. The sharpness of the hallmark strike indicates the use of high-quality steel dies despite the piece being produced in a large factory setting.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmarks are consistent with genuine Walker & Hall electroplate. The wear pattern (thinning at high points of the scallops) is exactly what is expected for an authentic piece of this age and material.
Origin & Manufacturing
Sheffield, England. Sheffield was the global center for silver plating technology, and Walker & Hall's Howard Street works were among the largest in the city.
Era & Period
Edwardian to Late Interwar period (c. 1910–1935). The simple wavy border reflects a transition from late Victorian fussiness toward the cleaner lines of the 20th century.
Age Estimate
Circa 1915–1930. The style of the mark and the specific font of the serial number '15723' are consistent with early-to-mid 20th-century Walker & Hall output.
Cultural Significance
Pieces like this represent the democratization of luxury in the early 20th century, allowing middle-class households to own 'silver' that mimicked the look of the aristocracy's solid sterling services.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is significant 'bleeding' (base metal showing) on the upper rim, heavy surface scratching throughout the well, and light tarnish in the crevices. Structural integrity appears sound with no visible dents.
Value Estimate
USD $25 – $55. The value is limited by the fact that it is silver plate rather than sterling, and the visible wear to the plating (bleeding) significantly impacts the price for collectors.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a non-abrasive cream like Wright’s Silver Cream. Avoid dips, as they can accelerate the stripping of the remaining silver. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth to prevent further oxidation of the exposed base metal.
Similar Pieces
Similar scalloped dishes by Elkington & Co. or Mappin & Webb. Elkington pieces will often have date letters, whereas W&H pieces rely more on serial numbers for identification.
Interesting Facts
Walker & Hall was one of the first companies to embrace the electroplating process developed by Elkington. By the early 1900s, they had showrooms across the British Empire, including Australia and South Africa.