Object Description
This is a wonderful antique English Victorian oval silver-plated twin handled tray, bearing the makers mark TB&S for the renowned silversmiths Thomas Bradbury & Sons as well as the Victorian lozenge registration mark dated at 1870.
This splendid large tray features beautifully engraved floral and foliate decoration. The border and twin handles are embellished with beaded decoration.
The centre bears the interesting engraved Latin inscription “Ad Finem Verus” which translates as “True to the End”, around a rampant lion.
The underside of each handle bear the British diamond registry date and material marks for the 29th December 1870. The underside of the tray also bears the figural maker’s mark.
It is splendid and luxurious and will look fabulous on your sideboard with decanters and glasses.
The quality and craftsmanship throughout the piece are truly second to none.
Condition:
In excellent condition with clear makers marks and no dings, dents or signs of repair. Please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 6 x Width 76 x Depth 51
Dimensions in inches:
Height 2.4 x Width 29.9 x Depth 20.1
Thomas Bradbury & Sons
belonged to generation of silversmiths. The first records of the partnership of Thomas Bradbury, Thomas Watson and James Fenton go back to 1795. The partnership was making pieces in the style of Watson & Co.
Later, Thomas Bradbury II (son of Thomas Bradbury I) and William Watson (nephew of Thomas Watson) were admitted to the partnership. In 1831 William Watson retired and the business was continued by Bradburys (Thomas I and II) under the style of Thomas Bradbury & Son.
The firm was active at Arundel Street, Sheffield with London showroom at 12 Gough Square, Fleet Street. In 1855 the firm changed its name to Thomas Bradbury & Sons, under the partnership of Joseph and Edward Bradbury (sons of Thomas Bradbury II). In 1877 the partners were Thomas Bradbury III (brother of Joseph Bradbury) and John Sutherland Henderson. The partnership was dissolved in 1888 and the firm was managed by Walton Turner Bradbury, Joseph Bradbury Jr and Frederick Bradbury (sons of Joseph Bradbury Sr). Frederick Bradbury is the author of the fundamental book “A History of Old Sheffield Plate”.
The business was converted into a limited liability company in 1905, under the style Thomas Bradbury & Sons Ltd.The company closed its activity in 1943 and dies and tooling were bought by Atkin Brothers.
Chronology:
1789 – 1795 Watson & Co
1795 – 1831 Thomas Bradbury & Son
1831 – c. 1855 Thomas Bradbury & Sons
1855 – c. 1905 Thomas Bradbury & Sons Ltd 1905 – 1943
Our reference: A1181