Charles Christofle Tray

Magnificent and imposing silver-plated tray by the silversmith Charles Christofle. This late 19th-century tray features a guilloché background surrounded by Greek key friezes, with a border of pearls. The handles are decorated with crossed ribbons. In the center, a lovely monogram; I think it reads JP, but I'm not certain. Total length (handle to handle): 72 cm. Tray length: 60 cm. Tray width: 46 cm. Weight: 4.1 kg. A very beautiful and authentic piece, not often seen. Good condition, some minor wear consistent with age: micro-scratches and tiny dents. The silver plating is beautiful; a polish has restored its former shine. On the reverse, the Christofle mark and the maker's mark CC for Charles Christofle allow us to date it between 1865 and 1885. The Napoleon III style neoclassical decoration with Greek motifs also helps with dating; the beaded molding is a very common detail between 1850 and 1880. And it's quite large.