Mid-Century Modern Round Polished Sterling Silver Tray/Platter
Hollowware (Tray/Platter) · Indeterminable from image; likely a major American or Scandinavian firm such as Gorham, Reed & Barton, or Georg Jensen based on the minimalist profile.
Pattern: Minimalist Plain Circular Form; similar to Gorham 'Puritan' or Jensen 'Continental' styles. Design introduced mid-20th century.
Type
Hollowware (Tray/Platter)
Maker
Indeterminable from image; likely a major American or Scandinavian firm such as Gorham, Reed & Barton, or Georg Jensen based on the minimalist profile.
Material
Likely Sterling Silver (.925 purity) based on the crispness of the rim and reflective quality; alternatively high-quality silver plate over nickel silver.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter 10-14 inches; weight typically ranges from 15 to 35 troy ounces depending on gauge.
Description
A striking example of mid-20th-century silver design, this tray emphasizes the inherent beauty of the metal through a flawless, mirror-like surface. Its circular form is stark and architectural, reflecting the 'Less is More' philosophy of the period. This piece would have been the pinnacle of sophisticated domestic entertaining in the 1950s.
Key Features
Sharp, clean edge profile; absence of a bead or gadroon border; high-caliber mirror finish reflecting light with minimal distortion.
Material & Composition
Likely Sterling Silver (.925 purity) based on the crispness of the rim and reflective quality; alternatively high-quality silver plate over nickel silver.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with a simple, unadorned rim. Design is strictly Mid-Century Modern/Minimalist with no engraving or repoussé.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Marks are not visible in this detail shot. Typically located on the underside; would include purity marks and maker's insignia.
Construction Details
Spun or die-struck from a single flat sheet of silver; machine-finished for uniform thickness and a perfectly circular edge profile.
Functional Features
Flat serving surface with a subtle raised edge to contain contents; designed for hors d'oeuvres or beverage service.
Handle & Grip Details
Handleless design; the rim itself serves as the grip. Minimalist construction with no separate attachments.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision-spun quality. The edge is perfectly cold-worked to ensure smoothness without the need for a rolled rim, indicating high-quality manufacture.
Authentication Indicators
The uniform thickness of the rim and the depth of the reflection are typical of high-quality sterling hollowware rather than thin-gauge industrial plating.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely USA (Providence or New York) or Denmark (Copenhagen), following the tradition of post-war streamline design.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1945-1970). Characterized by functionalism and an 'honest' use of materials without superfluous ornament.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965 based on the sharp, machine-precise edge and high-mirror polish characteristic of the era.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift from ornate Victorian 'clutter' to the streamlined, hygienic aesthetic of the modern atomic age.
Condition Notes
Very Good - excellent reflectivity; minor surface micro-scratches visible under direct light; no significant dings or edge warping.
Value Estimate
If Sterling: $800 - $1,500 based on weight and maker. If Silver Plate: $50 - $150.
Care & Maintenance
Hand-wash in warm soapy water only; use a high-quality emulsion like Wright's Silver Cream to maintain mirror finish without causing abrasive wear.
Similar Pieces
Arne Jacobsen for Stelton (Cylinda-Line in steel) or Georg Jensen No. 751 tray. The difference lies in the warmth and value of the sterling versus stainless steel.
Interesting Facts
Trays of this style were often used as presentation pieces for corporate retirements or high-society weddings during the 1950s 'Silver Age'.