Summary:
• Item: Butlers’ Tray
• Circa: 1880
• Period: Victorian
• Provenance: Italy
• Wood: Olive, ebony & box wood
• Sorrento ware style
• Single plank tray (sign of quality)
• Moulded border
• Hinged olive wood carrying handles
• Initials “T. H.” inlaid into top right corner
• Ebony string inlaid border
• Four marquetry inlaid house-martin birds
• Inscribed “Nous Reviendrons” (we will return)
• Original webbing to hinged stand
• Bobbin turned legs & stretchers
• Original hinged pins (to stand)
• Lovely mellow original colour
• Original polish & patination
• Stunning quality
• Good original condition
• Free delivery to mainland England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14-day UK returns policy
Description:
This is a fine quality antique Italian Victorian Sorrento Ware olive wood marquetry inlaid butlers’ tray on a bobbin turned folding stand, circa 1880, in good original condition. This style of tray and level of marquetry detail, would suggest that is originates from Italy. It was probably introduced to England after the grand tour, when wealthy aristocrats would travel to Italy and return with souvenirs, to be used in in wealthy houses for serving drinks and displaying items. It boasts a tray, with a raised moulded border and ebony string inlaid border, incorporating marquetry inlay of four house martin birds in mid-flight, with a painted inscription in the centre: “Nous Reviendrons” (we will return), constructed from satinwood, box and olive wood. The initials “T. H.” are inscribed into the top right corner of the tray, which was most likely the initials of the person who had the tray and stand commissioned for them. The tray retains its original hinged olive wood side carrying handles. The tray sits on fine quality bobbin turned hinged legs, secured by three webbed straps, retaining the original pins, with a central bobbin turned stretcher for added strength.
This Victorian butlers’ tray is a truly classic example of Italian Sorrento ware from the Victorian period. The level of detail and craftsmanship displayed in this piece makes it a stunning wooden work of art. It is rare to see an example, which not only is in excellent condition but is also completely original.
The tray features a mellow olive wood colour. As it boasts the original polish, it has a fantastic colour and patination; this can only be achieved through age and years of care and cleaning it has received. This truly is a very beautiful item with quality construction and is original throughout. It is rare to see one in such good condition.
This Victorian butlers’ tray would look superb in a variety of rooms from the hallway to living or dining room. This item would certainly grace any home or office and a great investment, as they are an extremely functional. So don’t miss out your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture.
Condition Report:
This item is in good original condition. The level of detail and craftsmanship displayed is second to none. Nominal old use marks to the leading edges and top but nothing significant considering the age of the item and years of use (see photos). Age related small gaps to the bottom right corner of the tray base (which is solid in joint) and perfectly acceptable, considering the age of the item. The tray and stands boasts the original polish and patination. The stand is solid and retains the original hinged pins and webbing. It is rare to see an example, which not only is in good condition but also is also completely original. The wooden tray and stand are both sturdy. This item is solid in joint and ready to use.
Dimensions:
Height (with tray on stand) = 74cm or 29⅛” or 2ft 5”
Tray Width (Including Handles) = 78.5cm or 31” or 2ft 7”
Tray Depth = 44.1cm or 17⅜” or 1ft 5⅜”
Stand Width = 62.6cm or 24⅝” or 2ft 0⅝”
Stand Depth (Open) = 49cm or 19¼” or 1ft 7”
Terms & Conditions:
Before you purchase this item, please ensure you have read and are in agreement with our Terms & Conditions of Sale. If you have any questions regarding our Terms & Conditions of Sale, please contact us to discuss them, before purchasing this item.
Ref. 38206