Sheridan Silver Plated Round Serving Tray with Chased Scroll Border
Hollowware - Round Tray/Platter · Sheridan Silver Co., a well-known American manufacturer established in Taunton, Massachusetts, recognized for producing affordable silver-plated hollowware and giftware.
Pattern: Unattributed traditional chased scroll or floral vine pattern with a gadroon/rope-twist edge, widely produced during the mid-20th century.
Type
Hollowware - Round Tray/Platter
Maker
Sheridan Silver Co., a well-known American manufacturer established in Taunton, Massachusetts, recognized for producing affordable silver-plated hollowware and giftware.
Material
Silver Plated (Electroplated Silver on a base metal, typically nickel-silver or brass).
Dimensions
Estimated round tray diameter of approximately 12 to 14 inches (30 to 35 cm), standard medium size for serving beverages or small tea sets. Weight is typical of electroplated hollowware.
Description
A classic round silver-plated serving tray featuring a reflective polished field framed by an intricate, flowing chased scrollwork border. The perimeter is finished with a handsome, tactile gadroon trim. Bearing the characteristic Sheridan lion stamp near the top center, this piece exemplifies mid-century American dining hospitality and accessible elegance.
Key Features
Prominent lion hallmark of Sheridan Silver Co., heavily chased foliate scroll border, and a classic twisted gadroon rim.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated (Electroplated Silver on a base metal, typically nickel-silver or brass).
Finish & Decoration
Mirror-polished center field with an extensively chased and engraved floral and foliate scroll band surrounding the inner rim. The outer edge features a prominent applied cast gadroon or rope-twist border. Sheridan style reflects mid-century traditional revival aesthetics.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Visible maker's mark near the center top featuring a lion rampant symbol above the text 'SHERIDAN' and 'SILVER CO. INC.', indicating American silverplate production.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed base sheet with applied decorative rim soldered or mechanically secured to the outer edge. The chased design is machine-stamped or roll-embossed rather than hand-chiselled.
Functional Features
Flat circular center surface for holding glasses, decanters, or tea services, with a raised molded rim to prevent items from sliding off during transport.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles; handled purely as a rim-lift tray relying on the textured gadroon border for grip.
Craftsmanship Details
Good commercial-grade quality featuring clean stamping, even plating, and securely attached decorative rims characteristic of mid-century American silverplate manufacturing.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic Sheridan stamp clearly visible near the center. The machine-chased pattern and applied gadroon edge are consistent with mid-20th-century mass production techniques for quality silverplate.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Taunton, Massachusetts, USA, by the Sheridan Silver Company, which operated during the height of American silver-plate production.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern to Late 20th Century (circa 1950s-1970s), capturing a traditional revivalist design aesthetic.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950s to 1970s based on the company's trademark style and manufacturing methods.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the post-WWII American domestic ideal, where formal entertaining, cocktail parties, and home bar setups became central to suburban social culture.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good condition. The surface shows minor tarnish, light scratching, and some polishing residue or oxidation spots typical of vintage silverplate. The silver plating appears largely intact with no major base metal show-through.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $25 to $75 USD depending on local demand, exact size, and overall condition.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a gentle liquid silver polish or specialized silver foam designed for plated items. Avoid abrasive cloths that can wear through the thin silver layer. Store in a dry environment wrapped in anti-tarnish cloth.
Similar Pieces
Similar silver-plated round trays by Wallace, International Silver, Oneida, and F.B. Rogers with gadroon edges and chased centers.
Interesting Facts
Sheridan Silver Company became a staple of American wedding registries and gift-giving in the mid-20th century, offering consumers the look of fine sterling at an accessible price point.