Vintage 16” x 11.5” Silver on Copper Butler Tray with Ornate Handles – European Hallmark – Mid-20th Century (1940s–1960s)

This vintage silver-plated butler tray with a copper base is a fine example of European silver craftsmanship during the mid-20th century. It features a richly engraved surface with sweeping scroll and floral patterns, a scalloped rim framed with rope-edge detailing, and decorative handles that provide both elegance and utility. The corners are adorned with bold rococo-style flourishes, giving the tray a strong presence and an unmistakable air of formality.

The underside is stamped “Silver on Copper” and marked with crown hallmarks, an indication of European manufacture, most likely British or Continental. Silver on copper construction was highly regarded at the time, as copper provided a durable foundation for silver plating and produced a warmer tone when the silver finish aged.

Now showing a patina earned through decades of use, the tray carries with it the charm of history while remaining highly functional. In its time, it would have been used for weddings, banquets, or elegant teas, serving decanters and glassware with pride. Today, it can serve just as well as a bar tray, a statement piece for entertaining, or a decorative focal point in a dining room or sideboard.

This is more than a serving tray — it is a tangible piece of mid-century European silver heritage, blending craftsmanship, beauty, and utility into one collectible piece.