Argentine Silver Plated Footed Salver or Tray
Hollowware (Tray/Salver) · Indeterminable Argentine manufacturer. The mark 'ARGENTINA' indicates the country of manufacture and 'INDUSTRIA' often accompanies such export or industrial stamps in South American metalwork.
Pattern: Traditional Chippendale-style influenced rim with shell-motif feet. Not a named pattern by a major international brand, but a standard regional luxury export design.
Type
Hollowware (Tray/Salver)
Maker
Indeterminable Argentine manufacturer. The mark 'ARGENTINA' indicates the country of manufacture and 'INDUSTRIA' often accompanies such export or industrial stamps in South American metalwork.
Material
Silver Plate (likely Alpha or Nickel Silver base with electroplated silver). The lack of a '925' or 'Sterling' stamp, combined with the 'ARGENTINA' industrial mark, strongly suggests silver plate.
Dimensions
Estimated 10-12 inches in diameter; weight is approximately 500-800 grams depending on base metal density and gauge.
Description
A functional and decorative Argentine silver-plated salver featuring a classic scalloped rim. This piece stands on three ornate cast-shell feet, providing an elegant lift from the tabletop. The design is a clear homage to the Chippendale and Rococo styles popular in English silver of the 1700s, adapted for mid-century production.
Key Features
Distinctive 'Argentina' stamp, tripod shell feet, and Concentric 'stepped' rings on the base which assist in identifying machine-spun or stamped origins.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (likely Alpha or Nickel Silver base with electroplated silver). The lack of a '925' or 'Sterling' stamp, combined with the 'ARGENTINA' industrial mark, strongly suggests silver plate.
Finish & Decoration
Bright-polished reflecting surface with an indented pie-crust/scalloped rim. It features three applied cast shell motifs serving as feet in a Rococo-revival style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'ARGENTINA' and 'INDUSTRIA' (partially obscured) on the underside center. No purity hallmarks (like the Lion Passant) or date letters are present.
Construction Details
Spun or die-stamped circular body with die-struck concentric rings for structural rigidity. The three shell feet are cast separately and hand-soldered to the base.
Functional Features
Tripod footed design allows the tray to sit elevated on an uneven surface; the raised scalloped rim prevents items (like glasses or decanters) from sliding off easily.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles; this item is a salver, intended to be carried from beneath or by the rim, resting on its three integral feet when placed.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade craftsmanship. While the feet are cast, the body shows signs of machine manufacture. Solder joints are clean but lack the finesse of high-end hand-raised hallowware.
Authentication Indicators
The 'Argentina' stamp is the primary identifier. The concentric circular marks on the bottom are a hallmark of industrial spinning or lathe-finishing common in the 20th century.
Origin & Manufacturing
Argentina. During the mid-20th century, Argentina had a robust silver-working industry producing both high-end .900/.925 silver and quality export silver plate.
Era & Period
Modern Era (mid-20th century). It utilizes a 20th-century mass-production stamping method while mimicking 18th-century Georgian 'Pie Crust' aesthetic.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1970. The stamping style and 'Argentina' mark are typical of mid-century industrial output for the domestic and tourist markets.
Cultural Significance
Represents the South American tradition of hospitality and the 'Silver Land' (Argentina) heritage, where silver and silver-plated items were essential for social status and tea service.
Condition Notes
Good condition. There is visible surface micro-scratching from cleaning and use. Tarnish is visible around the solder joints of the feet. No significant plating loss or 'bleeding' of base metal is observed in the image.
Value Estimate
$30.00 - $75.00 USD. Value is based on decorative utility as it lacks the intrinsic metal value of solid sterling silver.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's. Avoid automated dishwashers as the heat and detergents will strip the silver plating and loosen the soldered feet.
Similar Pieces
English Sheffield Plate salvers (usually heavier/purity marked) or American silver plate by Gorham/International Silver (typically marked 'EP' or 'Silverplate').
Interesting Facts
Argentina was once one of the wealthiest nations in the world (early 20th century), leading to a massive demand for silver sets that mimicked European aristocracy, resulting in a large scale of production for items like this.