Rococo Revival Silverplated Handled Serving Tray or Covered Dish Base, Pattern/Model No. 1743
Hollowware (Serving Tray / Platter / Entrée Dish Base) · Unidentified Manufacturer (likely American or British electroplate manufacturer, such as Sheffield Silver Co., Gorham, Reed & Barton, or E.P.N.S. maker, using pattern model number '1743')
Pattern: Rococo Revival Floral & Acanthus Leaf (Model # 1743)
Type
Hollowware (Serving Tray / Platter / Entrée Dish Base)
Maker
Unidentified Manufacturer (likely American or British electroplate manufacturer, such as Sheffield Silver Co., Gorham, Reed & Barton, or E.P.N.S. maker, using pattern model number '1743')
Material
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver or Copper Base, EPNS/EPBM). The visible coppery hue under strong lighting and surface micro-scratches indicate an electroplated silver layer over a base metal alloy.
Dimensions
Estimated length: 12-16 inches (30-40 cm); Estimated width: 8-10 inches (20-25 cm); Estimated weight: 800-1500 grams.
Description
An impressive Rococo Revival silverplated serving piece, featuring robust cast handles adorned with swirling acanthus leaves and scrollwork. Stamped clearly with inventory/model number 1743, this piece exhibits traditional mid-century decorative hollowware styling designed for elegant tabletop serving.
Key Features
Distinctive deeply chased/cast acanthus leaf handle socket terminations and a prominent centered model number stamp ('1743').
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver or Copper Base, EPNS/EPBM). The visible coppery hue under strong lighting and surface micro-scratches indicate an electroplated silver layer over a base metal alloy.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish bright silver finish with ornate cast Rococo Revival decoration featuring acanthus leaves, scrollwork, and floral motifs along the handle sockets.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Imprinted/Incised model production number '1743' centered directly beneath the handle mount on the inner rim/wall.
Construction Details
Spun/pressed sheet metal body with heavy cast decorative handles applied via silver-soldering to the upper outer rim.
Functional Features
Sturdy cast raised side handle designed for lifting and serving hot dishes or heavy contents.
Handle & Grip Details
Cast metal handle featuring a sweeping arch with heavily decorated leafy acanthus mounts soldered securely to the rim flange.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercially manufactured piece showing clean solder joins at the handle attachments and uniform die-stamped numbering, typical of mid-century hollowware mass production.
Authentication Indicators
Clear machine-stamped model number '1743' without standard sterling hallmarks (such as '.925' or Lion Passant), confirming its silver-plated construction.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States or United Kingdom, produced in an industrial electroplating factory setting using die-struck and cast assembly techniques.
Era & Period
Rococo Revival / Mid-to-Late 20th Century (c. 1950-1980)
Age Estimate
Circa 1950s–1970s based on the stamped model number font style and construction finish.
Cultural Significance
Reflects mid-20th-century home entertaining trends where elaborate silver-plated serving dishes were popular formal dining gifts and heirlooms.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good condition; displays significant fine surface scratching, moderate polishing wear, minor tarnish in recessed areas, and faint copper bleed visible under direct light.
Value Estimate
$25 - $50 USD (Secondary market/estate sale value for individual silverplate serving pieces).
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild dish soap and warm water using a soft microfiber cloth; polish gently using non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's Silver Cream to avoid wearing down the electroplated layer.
Similar Pieces
Similar Rococo Revival silverplate serving trays by Sheffield Silver Co., International Silver, Sheridan, or Poole Silver Co.
Interesting Facts
Numbered stamps like '1743' were standard catalog identification numbers used by silverplate manufacturers to track specific mold styles and replacement parts across large dinnerware series.