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This is a rare and highly unusual antique English Victorian silver plated tray bearing the makers' mark of the highly sought after silversmith George Richmond Collis & Co of Birmingham, circa 1870 in date.
This magnificent large silver plated tray is of unusual baroque shape and features a fabulous border with richly chased foliate and floral decoration, grapes, vines and four exquisite classical heads.
The tray is raised on four solid and richly chased matching feet in the shape of foliate, grapes and vines.
Will look fabulous on your sideboard with your decanters.
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 8 x Width 50 x Depth 49
Dimensions in inches:
Height 3 inches x Width 1 foot, 8 inches x Depth 1 foot, 7 inches
Our reference: 09636
Please feel free to email or call us (+44 20 8809 9605) to arrange a viewing in our North London warehouse.
Collis & Co
Sir Edward Thomason (c.1769-1849) was a dominant and memorable figure in Birmingham industry. He was the son of a bucklemaker and apprenticed in Matthew Boulton factory. In 1793 he set up a shop in the button trade, diversifying and expanding the business into gold, silver and medals. In 1806 he entered a hallmark in Birmingham Assay Office as Thomason & Co. In 1810 Thomason extended his factory starting the production of close plated knives, forks and spoons.
In 1817 Thomason entered into an agreement with James Mudie to strike a series of medals recording British victories over Napoleon; the dies were engraved by English and French artists, and the results were published by Mudie in An Historical and Critical Account of a Grand Series of National Medals (1820). Thomason subsequently purchased the dies.
In 1819 he began a series of forty-eight medals of the Elgin marbles in the British Museum, which was completed by 1823. In 1828 his workmen finished a series of sixteen medals on scientific subjects, and two years later sixty medals on biblical subjects. Developing his usual practice of presenting medals to important figures, he sent examples of the biblical series to all European monarchs, as well as to the president of the United States and the emperor of China.
In 1832 he was knighted by King William IV, the first Birmingham manufacturer to be so honoured.
In 1835 Thomason retired and his manufactory in Church Street was acquired by George Richmond Collis (under the style George Richmond Collis & Co.)
Collis & Co continued to produce a wide range of goods, described in an 1839 advertisement as "Articles in the highest classes of the arts, in Gold, Silver, Plated Bronze & Or-Molu....". and in an 1849 advertisement "Manufacturers of Gold and Silver Services of Every Descriptions, Platers by the new process of Electro Plate on fine German Silver &c....".
The firm exhibited his production in Birmingham (1849) and London (1851 and 1862) Exhibitions, moving c. 1868 to Cambridge Street, Birmingham.
The firm had London branch at 130 Regent Street and Langham Place, Regent Street (c.1847).
The premises in Regent Street were taken over in 1888 by John Bodman Carrington (Carrington & Co).
In the same year (31st December 1888) Collis & Co disappeared as a separate concern and was absorbed by S.W. Smith & Co
Dimensions in cm:
Height 8 x Width 50 x Depth 49
Dimensions in inches:
Height 3 inches x Width 1 foot, 8 inches x Depth 1 foot, 7 inches
Shipping:
We ship worldwide and deliver to Mainland UK addresses free of charge.
A shipping cost to all other destinations must be requested prior to purchase.
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Delivery and return policy:
We require that someone be home on the agreed delivery day if applicable, otherwise a redelivery fee will apply.
In accordance with Distance Selling Regulations, we offer a 14-day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the item.
The item must be returned in its original packaging and condition.
Unless the item is not as described in a material way, the buyer is responsible for return shipping expenses.
Buyers are fully responsible for any customs duties or local taxes that may be incurred on items sent outside of the European Union.
