Wiskemann Silver Plated Tray / Platter
Hollowware (Tray, Platter) · Wiskemann, a prestigious Belgian manufacturer known for high-quality silver plate and metalware, founded in Brussels in the 19th century and highly regarded for fine European hotel and household silver.
Pattern: Classic smooth border line pattern, typical of Wiskemann's high-end utilitarian and formal servingware lines.
Type
Hollowware (Tray, Platter)
Maker
Wiskemann, a prestigious Belgian manufacturer known for high-quality silver plate and metalware, founded in Brussels in the 19th century and highly regarded for fine European hotel and household silver.
Material
Silver Plated (Electroplated Nickel Silver or similar durable base metal alloy), standard for commercial and domestic European silver-plated hollowware.
Dimensions
Dimensions are estimated based on standard tray production, likely medium-to-large serving platter size (approx. 30-45 cm or 12-18 inches in diameter), with weight typical of sturdy silver-plated catering and dining hollowware.
Description
An elegant and durable silver-plated serving tray or platter produced by the renowned Belgian firm Wiskemann. The piece features a lustrous reflective surface with characteristic concentric polishing lines, bounded by clean, stepped rim moldings. The backstamp clearly displays the maker's name along with production and inventory numbers, affirming its authenticity and high-grade European manufacture.
Key Features
Distinctive rectangular 'WISKEMANN' hallmark stamp, 'HW' monogram shield maker's mark, and clear numerical stamps indicating batch, size, or production series.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated (Electroplated Nickel Silver or similar durable base metal alloy), standard for commercial and domestic European silver-plated hollowware.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish center with subtle concentric circular finishing marks visible, featuring clean, understated stepped or reeded border rims in a minimalist neoclassical or functionalist style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Clear punch marks including the number '24', the number '4', a rectangular maker's stamp reading 'WISKEMANN', a monogram logo stamp containing the letters 'HW' (Lambert Wiskemann) inside a shield or cartouche, and the number '35'.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed and spun base metal sheet with applied rim edges, expertly electroplated and hand-finished with concentric polishing lines.
Functional Features
Designed as a serving tray or platter for presenting food or beverages, featuring a raised rim to prevent spills and a flat central surface.
Handle & Grip Details
Rim-integrated grip without separate handles, relying on the raised stepped border for secure handling.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality commercial execution showing precise stamping, durable electroplating, and clean lathe-turned finishing marks indicative of expert European metal manufacturing.
Authentication Indicators
The crisp stamping of the 'WISKEMANN' trademark, the characteristic 'HW' shield logo, and accompanying numerical punches match verified historical archives of Belgian silverplate makers.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Brussels, Belgium by the established Wiskemann workshops, adhering to rigorous Belgian silversmithing and plating standards.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (c. 1930s-1950s), indicated by the punch mark style and numbering convention typical of European silverplate manufacturing eras.
Age Estimate
Circa 1930s to 1950s, based on the specific typography of the Wiskemann mark and associated serial/model numbers.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the high standards of mid-century European dining culture and hospitality, where quality silver-plated hollowware signified refinement and elegance.
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition. Shows minor surface hairline scratches and normal wear consistent with age and gentle polishing, with the silver plating remaining largely intact and bright.
Value Estimate
Moderate collector and market value range (approx. $50 - $200 USD), depending on the exact dimensions, weight, and overall surface preservation.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm water and mild soap using a soft cloth. Polish occasionally with a reputable silver cream (such as Wright's) designed for plated items. Store in anti-tarnish cloth bags.
Similar Pieces
Comparable silver-plated trays by European makers such as Christofle (France) or WMF (Germany), though distinguished by Wiskemann's specific Belgian hallmark stamps.
Interesting Facts
Wiskemann pieces were famously used in luxury European hotels, embassies, and high-end households due to their exceptional durability and heavy silver plating thickness.