Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this piece to the 1880s.
• 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.
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 29?” or 2ft 5”
Tray Width (Including Handles) = 78.5cm or 31” or 2ft 7”
Tray Depth = 44.1cm or 17” or 1ft 5”
Stand Width = 62.6cm or 24” or 2ft”
Stand Depth (Open) = 49cm or 19¼” or 1ft 7”
Free UK Delivery*:
We offer free delivery to mainland England, Wales, and Southern Scotland. *We do not offer free delivery to locations north of Stirling in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or any British Islands off the mainland. If you live in one of the areas, please contact us for a delivery quote.
Free 14 Days UK Returns & Refunds:
A free 14-day “no quibble” returns policy is available if you are not happy with this item. We will collect the item free of charge from you.
International Buyers:
Please contact us before purchasing the item, so that we can obtain an accurate shipping quote and delivery lead-time.
Ref. 38206
Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this piece to the 1880s.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Yolanda Gray Antiques Profile Page
Yolanda Gray Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA
Antique Italian Victorian Sorrento Ware Olive Inlaid Wood Butlers Table (Circa 1880)
