Ravinet d'Enfert French Silver Plated Tray or Hollowware
Hollowware - Tray or Platter · Ravinet d'Enfert, a prominent French silversmithing firm based in Paris, known for high-quality tablewares and silver-plated wares, active through the 20th century.
Pattern: Standard commercial hollowware line produced by Ravinet d'Enfert, typically featuring clean lines and utilitarian elegance.
Type
Hollowware - Tray or Platter
Maker
Ravinet d'Enfert, a prominent French silversmithing firm based in Paris, known for high-quality tablewares and silver-plated wares, active through the 20th century.
Material
Silver Plated Metal (indicated by 'METAL BLANC' and numerical thickness stamps like '20' denoting the weight or quality of the silver plating over a white metal base).
Dimensions
Standard serving dimensions for a small tray, platter, or plate; exact measurements depend on the complete piece, estimated medium hollowware size.
Description
An elegant French silver-plated hollowware piece, likely a small serving tray or plate, crafted by the renowned Paris maker Ravinet d'Enfert. The piece exhibits the clean aesthetic typical of mid-century French tableware and displays crisp manufacturer and plating stamps on the reverse or rim.
Key Features
Authentic Ravinet d'Enfert maker's punch, 'METAL BLANC' white metal indicator, and the '20' numerical quality stamp characteristic of French silverplate production.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated Metal (indicated by 'METAL BLANC' and numerical thickness stamps like '20' denoting the weight or quality of the silver plating over a white metal base).
Finish & Decoration
Smooth polished metallic finish with minimal ornamentation, characteristic of mid-20th-century functional French design.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped with 'RAVINET DENFERT' in a rectangular cartouche, a numerical '20' stamp indicating the silver plating grade/thickness, and a 'METAL BLANC' hallmark indicating the white metal base (nickel silver or similar alloy).
Construction Details
Machine-rolled and pressed metal base with electroplated silver application, standard commercial manufacturing for French silverplate in the mid-20th century.
Functional Features
Flat or slightly dished surface designed for serving food, beverages, or holding vanity items.
Handle & Grip Details
Integrated rim design without separate handles, typical of small serving trays and platters.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision-stamped hallmarks and uniform plating thickness demonstrate the high industrial craftsmanship standards of mid-century French silversmithing.
Authentication Indicators
Clear, deep punch marks of the 'RAVINET DENFERT' maker's stamp and 'METAL BLANC' designation, matching authenticated historical French silverplate hallmarks.
Origin & Manufacturing
Paris, France; manufactured by the established atelier of Ravinet d'Enfert.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century, likely Art Deco to Retro period (c. 1930-1960 based on the maker's mark style).
Age Estimate
Circa 1930s to 1960s based on the typography and hallmarks stamped into the metal.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the French tradition of fine dining and hospitality craftsmanship, where high-grade silverplate ('métal blanc') provided accessible elegance for everyday dining.
Condition Notes
Surface shows normal minor scratches and wear consistent with age and gentle use, typical of vintage silver-plated items.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $30 to $150 USD depending on the exact form, size, and overall condition of the piece.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild liquid dish soap and warm water, dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. Use a specialized silver-plated care polish sparingly to avoid wearing through the plating.
Similar Pieces
Similar silver-plated trays and hollowware from French contemporaries such as Christofle, Ercuis, and Gallia.
Interesting Facts
Ravinet d'Enfert was well-regarded in France for producing durable and stylish hotelware, domestic silverware, and tableware during the height of French culinary and design culture.