A HUGE, solid silver tray that is worth an estimated £2,000 is going under the hammer next month.
The tray is part of the two-day Charterhouse auction on December 2 and 3.
“Weighing in at over 10lbs you have to feel sorry for the domestic staff who would have carried this tray full up with cucumber sandwiches in the summer, mince pies at Christmas, coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon or an aperitif in the early evening,” said Richard Bromell, from Charterhouse.
“Adding on all that weight and with the butler standing bolt upright it must have been quite back breaking.”
The silver tray is hallmarked for London 1895.
At 73cm wide it has a gadroon, shell and acanthus leaf border with a presentation inscription to the Rev Alexander Maclaverty.
He was vicar at Llangattock-Vibon-Avel, St Maughans and Llanfaenor in Monmouthshire for 43 years and the tray was presented to him by his parishioners and friends in 1917.
Fitted in its own oak box it has had little use of the past years. Lining the box is an old Telegraph newspaper dating back to 1953.
The silver tray is being sold in the Charterhouse December triple auction.
First up, on December 2 starting at 10am, there are coins, militaria and stamps. This is followed by the silver tray in an auction of lots perfect for Christmas presents with silver, silver plate, jewellery, fashion accessories, Rolex, other watches, wine, port and whisky also on the second, starting at 3pm.
After this, on December 3, there are more lots going under the auctioneers gavel with clocks, antiques and interiors.
Viewing for the auctions is from Monday, November 29 to December 2, from 9am to 5pm. Live internet bidding and catalogues are available to download on www.charterhouse-auction.com
Richard Bromell and the team at Charterhouse can be contacted for advice and valuations or to arrange a free home visit at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, on 01935 812277, by email to info@charterhouse-auction.com or via www.charterhouse-auction.com.
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