Wallace Silversmiths Silver Plated Serving Tray with Handles
Hollowware (Tray, Platter) · Wallace Silversmiths, founded in Wallingford, Connecticut, in 1835 by Robert Wallace. Known for high-quality American silver and silverplate, later becoming part of Syratech and subsequently Lifetime Brands.
Pattern: Plain or Classic Rim Pattern with Applied Handles, part of Wallace's extensive mid-20th-century hotel and domestic silverplated hollowware line.
Type
Hollowware (Tray, Platter)
Maker
Wallace Silversmiths, founded in Wallingford, Connecticut, in 1835 by Robert Wallace. Known for high-quality American silver and silverplate, later becoming part of Syratech and subsequently Lifetime Brands.
Material
Silver Plate (Electroplated silver over a base metal, typically nickel silver or brass alloy).
Dimensions
Large rectangular or oval presentation tray, measuring approximately 21 inches in length (inclusive of handles), standard large hospitality or domestic service size.
Description
An elegant and large silver-plated serving tray by Wallace Silversmiths, featuring a brilliant mirror-finished surface, clean raised borders, and securely mounted loop handles. The reverse clearly bears the manufacturer's hallmark and model stamping. It serves as both a functional piece for hospitality and a classic decorative accessory.
Key Features
Large 21-inch format, robust cast handles, clearly struck Wallace maker's mark, and classic timeless aesthetic suitable for diverse table settings.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (Electroplated silver over a base metal, typically nickel silver or brass alloy).
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish on the central field and raised rim, featuring distinctive applied handles with ergonomic teardrop mounting plates.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped on the reverse field: 'WALLACE SILVER PLATE' with a large stylized 'W' initial logo, model number 'M250', and size/inventory designation '21 IN'.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed base sheet with rolled and reinforced rims; handles are cast separately and securely soldered or riveted to the tray body.
Functional Features
Features two sturdy, raised side handles designed for secure transport of heavy tea services, decanters, or cocktails, with a wide flat base for stability.
Handle & Grip Details
Cast silver-plated loop handles with broad teardrop-shaped attachment pads soldered firmly to the rim, showing attractive dark natural tarnish outlines.
Craftsmanship Details
Clean commercial-grade manufacture with strong joint soldering on the handles, even plating coverage, and a smooth, reflective surface finish.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic Wallace manufacturer stamp ('WALLACE SILVER PLATE' with large 'W' and model M250) matches known factory stamping protocols from the mid-20th century.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Wallingford, Connecticut, USA, utilizing mass-production techniques standard to major American silversmithing firms of the mid-20th century.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1940-1970), indicative of post-war American hospitality and domestic entertainingware.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950s to 1960s, based on the typography of the Wallace maker's mark and the style of the model number stamp.
Cultural Significance
Represents the mid-20th-century American culture of formal home entertaining, cocktail parties, and refined table service traditions.
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition. The surface displays moderate light scratching typical of gentle use and polishing, with pleasing natural sulfide tarnish gradients forming around the handles and rim borders. No major dents, plating loss, or structural repairs are evident.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $50 and $150 USD, depending on current local demand, exact weight, and pristine surface condition.
Care & Maintenance
Wash gently by hand in warm water with mild dish soap and a soft sponge. Dry immediately with a soft cotton cloth. Polish periodically with a quality silver cream specifically formulated for silverplate to avoid abrading the thin plating layer.
Similar Pieces
Silverplated trays by competitor American manufacturers such as Gorham, International Silver Co., and Reed & Barton from the same era.
Interesting Facts
Wallace Silversmiths is historically famous for pioneering third-dimension silver carving techniques in sterling flatware, but they also produced extensive, highly durable silverplated hollowware lines for both domestic and hotel use.