Standard Full-Size Stainless Steel Steam Table Pan / Gastronorm Tray (not silver)
Hollowware (Kitchen Utility/Commercial Food Service) · Generic Commercial Manufacturer (e.g., Vollrath, Winco, Cambro, or Browne). These are industrial manufacturers focused on durability rather than artisan silversmithing.
Pattern: Standard GN (Gastronorm) 1/1 Format; no decorative pattern; strictly utilitarian design.
Type
Hollowware (Kitchen Utility/Commercial Food Service)
Maker
Generic Commercial Manufacturer (e.g., Vollrath, Winco, Cambro, or Browne). These are industrial manufacturers focused on durability rather than artisan silversmithing.
Material
18/8 or 18/10 Stainless Steel (Chromium/Nickel alloy); contains 0% silver content. This is a non-precious industrial metal designed for heat resistance and sanitation.
Dimensions
Full size (approximately 12" x 20" / 530 x 325 mm) with a depth of 2.5 to 4 inches; weight is approximately 1,500-2,000 grams of steel.
Description
This is a standard industrial food-service vessel commonly found in hotel buffets, catering halls, and restaurant kitchens. It is not an antique silver item, but rather a functional kitchen tool designed for durability and hygiene in high-volume environments.
Key Features
Rectangular stackable form, anti-jam rims, NSF certification mark, lack of tarnish (unlike silver), and magnetic properties typical of some steel grades.
Material & Composition
18/8 or 18/10 Stainless Steel (Chromium/Nickel alloy); contains 0% silver content. This is a non-precious industrial metal designed for heat resistance and sanitation.
Finish & Decoration
Industrial brushed/satin finish; no decorative engraving, chasing, or repoussé. The look is purely functional with a slight metallic luster characteristic of steel.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually stamped on the bottom with 'NSF' (National Sanitation Foundation), '18/8 Stainless Steel', and the manufacturer's logo. Lacks silver purity hallmarks (like the Lion Passant or 925).
Construction Details
Machine-pressed/die-struck from a single sheet of heavy-gauge stainless steel; features reinforced anti-jamming edges.
Functional Features
Anti-jamming lugs for stacking, high thermal conductivity for steam tables, and rounded corners for easy cleaning and food retrieval.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles; features a continuous flat rim meant to be supported by a steam table well or a buffet chafing stand.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced industrial stamping; no evidence of hand-tooling or artistic craftsmanship. Focused on uniformity and stackability.
Authentication Indicators
Visual lack of patina; industrial stamping; structural rigidity; color is a 'colder' blue-grey compared to the 'warmer' white-yellow luster of sterling silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Mass-produced globally, most commonly in China, India, or the USA (Wisconsin, etc.) for the commercial hospitality industry.
Era & Period
Late 20th to 21st Century; Contemporary Industrial.
Age Estimate
Modern (produced within the last 1-10 years).
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift from silver-plated formal service to high-efficiency, sterile, mass-market hospitality logistics.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good; shows heavy surface scratching, water spotting, and minor oxidation/residue consistent with commercial kitchen use and dishwasher cleaning.
Value Estimate
$15.00 - $35.00 USD (Commercial resale value; primarily valued for utility rather than metal weight).
Care & Maintenance
Dishwasher safe; can be scrubbed with abrasive pads or steel wool without damaging the material value; no polishing required.
Similar Pieces
Silver-plated chafers (which would have ornate legs and handles); Aluminum hotel pans (which are lighter and matte).
Interesting Facts
The Gastronorm (GN) system was developed in Switzerland in the 1960s to standardize kitchen equipment sizes across the globe.