Mid-Century Modern Octagonal Sterling Silver Vide-Poche / Small Side Tray
Hollowware (Vide-Poche, Card Tray, or Small Serving Dish) · Likely manufactured by a mid-20th-century American or European firm such as Gorham, Reed & Barton, or Georg Jensen (based on form). The minimalist octagonal design is characteristic of high-quality department store silver or boutique silversmiths from the 1940s-1960s.
Pattern: Minimalist Octagonal Geometric Design; likely an untitled pattern part of a giftware line rather than a named flatware service collection.
Type
Hollowware (Vide-Poche, Card Tray, or Small Serving Dish)
Maker
Likely manufactured by a mid-20th-century American or European firm such as Gorham, Reed & Barton, or Georg Jensen (based on form). The minimalist octagonal design is characteristic of high-quality department store silver or boutique silversmiths from the 1940s-1960s.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) based on the surface luster and tarnish patterns. Weight is estimated at 120-180 grams based on its size relative to the hand.
Dimensions
Estimated at 5 to 6 inches square (approx. 13-15 cm). Weight is typical for a heavy-gauge small tray, approximately 4.5 to 6 troy ounces.
Description
This elegant sterling silver tray features a distinct octagonal form with a multi-stepped rim that creates a sophisticated play of light and shadow. The flat, central reservoir is expansive and unadorned, allowing the natural radiance of the high-purity silver to serve as the primary visual interest. It represents the transition from Art Deco geometric obsession to Mid-Century Modern simplicity, making it a versatile piece for contemporary home decor.
Key Features
Clipped-corner octagonal silhouette; triple-stepped decorative border; heavy-gauge silver construction; unmonogrammed central field (highly desirable for resale).
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) based on the surface luster and tarnish patterns. Weight is estimated at 120-180 grams based on its size relative to the hand.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror-polished surface with a simple stepped rim (reeding) and clipped corners. The decoration is purely geometric and functional, lacking the ornate repoussé or chasing of the Victorian era, aligning it with the Modernist or Art Deco transition style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The marks are likely located on the underside. They should include 'STERLING', a numeric fineness mark (.925), and a maker's hallmark (e.g., Gorham's lion-anchor-G or Tiffany's 'T' stamp).
Construction Details
Likely die-struck or spun from a single silver sheet, then finished by hand-polishing. The clean, sharp angles of the octagonal rim suggest high-precision industrial tooling followed by hand-buffing.
Functional Features
Functional as a dresser tray for jewelry, a 'vide-poche' (pocket emptier) for keys and coins in an entryway, or a small service tray for hors d'oeuvres or cocktails.
Handle & Grip Details
Rim-integrated grip. No separate handles. The raised, stepped edge provides a secure finger hold for lifting from a flat surface.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent tension in the metal; the flat surface shows high stability without 'oil-canning' (popping in and out), indicating a quality thick-gauge sheet was used in production.
Authentication Indicators
The crispness of the stepped rim suggests it is authentic silver rather than a lower-quality white metal casting. Tarnish is charcoal-gray/black, consistent with silver sulfide formation on .925 sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States (Providence, RI or New York) or Scandinavia (Copenhagen). These regions dominated the minimalist silver market during the mid-20th century.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (c. 1945–1965). The focus on clean lines, lack of applied ornament, and geometric silhouette are hallmarks of post-war luxury design.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950–1960. The condition and design language suggest a piece from the height of the mid-century luxury giftware boom.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'International Style' in silver, which moved away from the 'conspicuous consumption' of Victorian ornament toward a 'functionalist' luxury that emphasized material purity and geometric harmony.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good condition. Surface shows moderate 'patina' consisting of fine spiderweb scratches (consistent with age and cleaning). Notable tarnish spots and possible sulfide deposits (dark marks) suggest it has been stored in open air. No visible dents or structural warping.
Value Estimate
$250 - $450 USD. Value is driven primarily by its sterling silver melt value (approx. $100-$130) plus a significant premium for the maker and the desirable modern design.
Care & Maintenance
Hand-wash with mild soap; polish with a high-quality cream like Wright's Silver Cream using a soft sponge. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag to prevent the heavy tarnish seen in the photo.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Windham' pattern trays (more rounded) or Georg Jensen 'S-form' trays. It could be confused with silver-plated 'hotel ware' which is much heavier and lacks 'Sterling' stamps.
Interesting Facts
Trays of this size were often used in luxury hotels or on private rail cars for 'calling cards' or as individual bread trays for formal dining services.