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Victorian Papier-mâché and Mother-of-pearl Inlaid Tray by Benetfink & Co., London
Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd
for sale €527     $572
£450
Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd

Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd

Sellingantiques Verified Since Apr 2025
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    Specialists in fine antique furniture, decorative arts & collectables
Id #SA1222129
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Victorian Papier-mâché and Mother-of-pearl Inlaid Tray by Benetfink & Co., London

19th century
Description

Victorian Papier-Mâché and Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Tray by Benetfink & Co., London

England, circa 1870

A finely decorated Victorian papier-mâché tray of large oval form, richly ornamented with mother-of-pearl inlay and gilt decoration on a deep black lacquer ground. The raised central medallion is centred with stylised foliate motifs and scrolling ornament, surrounded by bands of nacreous inlay, trailing vine decoration, and delicate gilt highlights throughout.

The broad border is particularly striking, with repeated mother-of-pearl leaf motifs and an interlaced outer band displaying strong iridescence. The reverse bears the impressed retailer’s mark for Benetfink & Co., 26 Cheapside, London. Benetfink was a respected London retailer of high-quality decorative goods during the Victorian period, often associated with fine lacquerwares and papier-mâché pieces in the manner of Jennens & Bettridge.

Condition:

Presented in good antique condition overall, with age-related craquelure, rubbing and wear to the gilt decoration, and small losses and repairs to sections of the mother-of-pearl inlay consistent with age and use. Structurally sound and displays beautifully.

Dimensions:

63 cm wide x 48 cm deep

Declaration

Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd has dated this Victorian Papier Mache Tray to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1222129
Dealers Notes

All items offered by Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd are carefully selected for their authenticity, decorative appeal, and period character. We specialise in antique and vintage pieces sourced with a knowledgeable eye, and we aim to provide accurate descriptions and detailed photographs for every item.

Our stock is available to view by appointment at our Worcester showrooms, and we are happy to provide further information or additional images on request.

We offer both national and international delivery, and can arrange professional packing or assisted delivery where appropriate.

We strive to make the buying process as straightforward and personal as possible — whether you're a private collector, interior designer, or trade client.

Description
Victorian Papier-Mâché and Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Tray by Benetfink & Co., London

England, circa 1870

A finely decorated Victorian papier-mâché tray of large oval form, richly ornamented with mother-of-pearl inlay and gilt decoration on a deep black lacquer ground.
Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd

The raised central medallion is centred with stylised foliate motifs and scrolling ornament, surrounded by bands of nacreous inlay, trailing vine decoration, and delicate gilt highlights throughout.

fig 1. An oval Victorian black lacquered papier-mache tray featuring ornate gilt floral scrolls and iridescent mother-of-pearl leaf inlays around a central medallion.
fig 1. Victorian Papier-mâché and Mother-of-pearl Inlaid Tray by Benetfink & Co., London

The broad border is particularly striking, with repeated mother-of-pearl leaf motifs and an interlaced outer band displaying strong iridescence. The reverse bears the impressed retailer’s mark for Benetfink & Co., 26 Cheapside, London. Benetfink was a respected London retailer of high-quality decorative goods during the Victorian period, often associated with fine lacquerwares and papier-mâché pieces in the manner of Jennens & Bettridge.

fig 2. An oval Victorian black lacquered papier-mache tray featuring ornate gilt floral scrolls and iridescent mother-of-pearl leaf inlays around a central medallion.
fig 2. Victorian Papier-mâché and Mother-of-pearl Inlaid Tray by Benetfink & Co., London

Condition:

Presented in good antique condition overall, with age-related craquelure, rubbing and wear to the gilt decoration, and small losses and repairs to sections of the mother-of-pearl inlay consistent with age and use. Structurally sound and displays beautifully.

Dimensions:

63 cm wide x 48 cm deep

Date of Manufacture

Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd has dated this Victorian Papier Mache Tray to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1222129
Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd
Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd
Sellingantiques verified Since Apr 2025

Specialists in fine antique furniture, decorative arts & collectables

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd Profile Page

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An oval Victorian black lacquered papier-mache tray featuring ornate gilt floral scrolls and iridescent mother-of-pearl leaf inlays around a central medallion.
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Archive I An oval Victorian black lacquered papier-mache tray featuring ornate gilt floral scrolls and iridescent mother-of-pearl leaf inlays around a central medallion.

Victorian Papier-Mâché and Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Tray by Benetfink & Co., London

Archive II An oval Victorian black lacquered papier-mache tray featuring ornate gilt floral scrolls and iridescent mother-of-pearl leaf inlays around a central medallion. View II
Archive III An oval Victorian black lacquered papier-mache tray featuring ornate gilt floral scrolls and iridescent mother-of-pearl leaf inlays around a central medallion. View III
Archive IV An oval Victorian black lacquered papier-mache tray featuring ornate gilt floral scrolls and iridescent mother-of-pearl leaf inlays around a central medallion. View IV
Archive V An oval Victorian black lacquered papier-mache tray featuring ornate gilt floral scrolls and iridescent mother-of-pearl leaf inlays around a central medallion. View V
Archive VI An oval Victorian black lacquered papier-mache tray featuring ornate gilt floral scrolls and iridescent mother-of-pearl leaf inlays around a central medallion. View VI
Archive VII An oval Victorian black lacquered papier-mache tray featuring ornate gilt floral scrolls and iridescent mother-of-pearl leaf inlays around a central medallion. View VII
Archive VIII An oval Victorian black lacquered papier-mache tray featuring ornate gilt floral scrolls and iridescent mother-of-pearl leaf inlays around a central medallion. View VIII
Archive IX An oval Victorian black lacquered papier-mache tray featuring ornate gilt floral scrolls and iridescent mother-of-pearl leaf inlays around a central medallion. View IX
Archive X An oval Victorian black lacquered papier-mache tray featuring ornate gilt floral scrolls and iridescent mother-of-pearl leaf inlays around a central medallion. View X
Archive XI An oval Victorian black lacquered papier-mache tray featuring ornate gilt floral scrolls and iridescent mother-of-pearl leaf inlays around a central medallion. View XI
Archive XII An oval Victorian black lacquered papier-mache tray featuring ornate gilt floral scrolls and iridescent mother-of-pearl leaf inlays around a central medallion. View XII
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Telephone 01905 799928
Location
50 Barbourne Road
Worcester
Worcestershire
WR1 1JA
United Kingdom
Verified Since Apr 2025
Items For Sale 74
Items Sold 69
Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd
Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd
Verified Since Apr 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: 50 Barbourne Road, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR1 1JA, United Kingdom
Verified
Apr 2025
For Sale
74
Sold
69
An oval Victorian black lacquered papier-mache tray featuring ornate gilt floral scrolls and iridescent mother-of-pearl leaf inlays around a central medallion.
Victorian Papier-Mâché and Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Tray by Benetfink & Co., London
Ref: SA1222129
An oval Victorian black lacquered papier-mache tray featuring ornate gilt floral scrolls and iridescent mother-of-pearl leaf inlays around a central medallion.
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Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

During the Victorian era, papier-mache became a highly favoured medium for decorative home accessories and small furniture pieces. Manufacturers refined techniques to produce dense, durable forms that were finished with black japanned lacquer, hand-painted gilt decoration, and inlaid iridescent shell motifs.

These trays were crafted using heat-pressed sheets of paper pulp bound with adhesive resins. Once hardened, the surfaces were coated in dark varnish or lacquer, inlaid with thin flakes of nacre or mother-of-pearl, and detailed using fine gold leaf applications.

Authentic period pieces often feature fine crazing in the lacquer finish, slight wear to the gilt details, and hand-cut mother-of-pearl elements set flush into the surface. Maker marks or maker stamps impressed into the underside also assist in identification.

An antique lacquered tray can be styled flat on a sideboard top or coffee table to organize smaller accessories, or displayed upright on a plate stand within a decorative cabinet to highlight the mother-of-pearl detail.

Clean the surface gently using a dry, soft microfibre cloth. Avoid immersion in water, chemical solvents, or direct exposure to high heat and bright sunlight, as these can cause the lacquer finish to degrade or crack.
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