Wilkens Silver-Plated Trays and Hollowware
Hollowware Tray or Platter · M. Wilkens & Söhne (Wilkens), a prominent German silver manufacturer founded in 1810 in Bremen-Hemelingen, highly regarded for exceptional quality, modernist and traditional designs, and long-standing silversmithing heritage.
Pattern: Standard minimalist or classic hollowware line with stepped rim design; production dates vary as Wilkens frequently produced high-end functional domestic items.
Type
Hollowware Tray or Platter
Maker
M. Wilkens & Söhne (Wilkens), a prominent German silver manufacturer founded in 1810 in Bremen-Hemelingen, highly regarded for exceptional quality, modernist and traditional designs, and long-standing silversmithing heritage.
Material
Silver-plated base metal, indicated by the hallmarks typical of European silver plate standards rather than solid sterling.
Dimensions
Standard medium-to-large serving tray or platter dimensions, estimated between 25 cm to 35 cm in diameter based on typical Wilkens hollowware sizing.
Description
A well-crafted European silver-plated tray or hollowware piece by the esteemed German maker Wilkens. The surface exhibits characteristic concentric lathe-spun lines, framed by a clean, stepped circular border. The back bears clear stamped hallmarks including the Wilkens name, brand emblem, and production numbers, showcasing the industrial yet high-quality craftsmanship of post-war European silverplate manufacturing.
Key Features
Crisp manufacturer stamping, distinctive 'W' emblem, clean stepped rim architecture, and characteristic lathe-spun finish.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated base metal, indicated by the hallmarks typical of European silver plate standards rather than solid sterling.
Finish & Decoration
Polished metallic surface finish with subtle concentric circular grain lines from spinning, featuring clean stepped rim borders without ornate chasing or embossing.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Includes the maker stamp "WILKENS" in a rectangular cartouche, a trademark symbol containing the initials "W" above or within a shield/crest, a numerical stamp "35", and what appears to be a model or sizing number "2 / 35".
Construction Details
Machine-spun from a metal blank on a lathe, creating the concentric circular polishing lines visible on the surface, followed by electroplating and hand-finishing.
Functional Features
Flat central well for serving food or beverages, elevated by a slightly raised stepped rim to prevent items or liquids from sliding off.
Handle & Grip Details
Rimless or border-handled tray design relying on the stepped edge for secure gripping.
Craftsmanship Details
Combines precision machine spinning with careful stamping and plating, demonstrating the high industrial standards typical of twentieth-century German silversmithing houses.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic Wilkens maker's mark in a rectangular box alongside the manufacturer's crest and numeric code, matching known archival stamping practices for the company.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Germany (Bremen), reflecting German precision engineering and high standards in metalware production.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century to Late 20th Century (circa 1950s-1980s), aligning with standard European mid-century modern production methods and hallmark styles.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950 to 1980, deduced from the crispness of the mechanical stamps and the style of the maker's rectangular cartouche.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war European tradition of accessible luxury dining and hospitalityware, combining industrial manufacturing techniques with traditional aesthetic elegance.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good condition. Surface shows standard fine hair-line scratches consistent with gentle use and polishing, with no major dents or base metal bleed-through apparent on the visible surface.
Value Estimate
Moderate market value range typically between $50 to $150 USD depending on the exact size, weight, and current collector demand for German mid-century silverplate.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild non-abrasive silver cream and a soft microfiber cloth. Store in a dry environment wrapped in anti-tarnish cloth to preserve the plating.
Similar Pieces
Silver-plated trays and platters by European contemporaries such as WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) or Krupp Berndorf.
Interesting Facts
M. Wilkens & Söhne is one of Germany's oldest surviving luxury silver manufacturers, known for collaborating with renowned modern designers in the 20th century.