Sheridan Silver Co. Rococo Revival Silver on Copper Two-Handled Serving Tray
Hollowware (Serving Tray) · Sheridan Silver Co., founded in 1944 in Taunton, Massachusetts. The company was known for producing high-quality silver-plated hollowware and was later acquired by Taunton Silversmiths (a division of Lenox) in the late 20th century.
Pattern: Rococo Revival / Baroque style. While often generic, this specific gadroon-and-shell border is typical of their mid-century 'Grand' or 'Victorian' inspired lines.
Type
Hollowware (Serving Tray)
Maker
Sheridan Silver Co., founded in 1944 in Taunton, Massachusetts. The company was known for producing high-quality silver-plated hollowware and was later acquired by Taunton Silversmiths (a division of Lenox) in the late 20th century.
Material
Silver on Copper. This is an electroplated item consisting of a thin layer of silver over a solid copper base. The copper base is visible on the underside (reddish tone) due to polishing wear or 'bleeding'.
Dimensions
Approximately 22 to 24 inches in length (including handles) and 14 to 16 inches in width. These trays are substantial and heavy due to the copper core, typically weighing 5-8 lbs.
Description
This impressive two-handled tray by Sheridan Silver Co. serves as an elegant centerpiece for any service set. The tray features a deeply chased ground of scrolling foliage and shells, surrounding a central vacant cartouche. Its border is defined by a classic gadroon edge punctuated by ornate floral shells at the corners, leading to heavy, flourished handles. While not solid sterling, its silver-on-copper construction provides the weight and luster of fine silver at a more accessible price point.
Key Features
The 'Silver on Copper' stamp, the mock-British pseudo-hallmarks (crown and lion), and the ornate gadroon-shell border style. The reddish copper 'bleed' on the reverse is a diagnostic trait.
Material & Composition
Silver on Copper. This is an electroplated item consisting of a thin layer of silver over a solid copper base. The copper base is visible on the underside (reddish tone) due to polishing wear or 'bleeding'.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish central well with an engine-turned or chased 'chasing' scroll-and-leaf motif. Features a gadroon (rope-like) border with applied shell-and-scroll corner accents. The center contains an unengraved oval cartouche for personalization.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped on the reverse with the Sheridan logo (an 'S' inside a shield, crown, and a lion passant mark designed to mimic British hallmarks) followed by the literal text 'SILVER ON COPPER'.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed body with die-struck applied borders and cast handles. The handles are soldered to the tray body. The central decorative pattern is likely machine-chased or etched rather than hand-engraved.
Functional Features
Raised gallery edge to prevent items from sliding; sturdy fixed handles for transport. The flat well is designed to hold a full tea service (teapot, creamer, sugar) or heavy glassware.
Handle & Grip Details
Two cast white-metal or copper-based handles with ornate C-scroll and floral acanthus decoration. Soldered securely to the rim. Some silver loss is common on the high points of these grips.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial manufacturing. The applied border is well-integrated, and the handles are symmetrical. While mass-produced, the weight and finish reflect the high standards of Taunton-based factories of that era.
Authentication Indicators
The 'S' shield and crown logo are the registered trademarks of Sheridan. The 'Silver on Copper' mark explicitly identifies it as plated rather than sterling. Wear patterns on the bottom are consistent with age-appropriate surface friction.
Origin & Manufacturing
Taunton, Massachusetts, USA. Taunton was a major hub for American silver manufacturing (home to Reed & Barton). Produced in a factory setting using industrial electroplating.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern production (c. 1950-1970) mimicking the Victorian/Rococo Revival style. It reflects the post-war American demand for formal entertaining pieces.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965. The specific 'Silver on Copper' stamp style and the Rococo design language are most consistent with Sheridan's peak production years.
Cultural Significance
Represents the mid-20th-century 'Formal American' dining culture where silver-plated tea services and trays were essential wedding gifts and symbols of middle-class hospitality.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. The face appears bright with minor surface scratches ('scuffs') from use. The reverse shows significant 'bleeding' where the silver has been polished away, revealing the copper base. No major dents or handle wobbles are visible.
Value Estimate
$50 - $125 USD. Values fluctuate based on the amount of 'bleed' (copper showing through) and the size. Trays with significant copper showing on the front well are valued lower than those with intact plating.
Care & Maintenance
Use a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's) only when necessary. Since this is plated, excessive polishing will remove more silver and reveal more copper ('bleeding'). Wash in warm soapy water and dry immediately with a soft cloth.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Chantilly' plated trays (higher end), Reed & Barton 'Winthrop' trays, or International Silver 'Countess' pattern. British Sheffield Plate trays are similar but much older and often use different fused-metal techniques.
Interesting Facts
Sheridan often used 'pseudo-hallmarks'—marks designed to look like official British silver assay marks—to give their plated items a sense of prestige and history to the casual buyer.