Late Victorian Sterling Silver Serving Salver. Goldsmiths Alliance, London, 1871

This late Victorian sterling silver serving salver has maker’s marks for Goldsmiths Alliance, London, 1871. Beautifully engraved and featuring delicate palmettes as well as repousse detail to the rim, it bears a crest in the centre of a lion bearing a halberd or battleaxe. Traditionally it appears that many families that used the lion as a part of their crest were granted the usage due to military deeds or exploits. Unfortunately, we could not narrow the usage of this crest much further as of now. 

Goldsmiths’ Alliance Ltd, formed in 1866, originated as the company started by Adey Bellamy Savory in 1812. Between 1865 to 1879 the company used the mark of Samuel Smily, as can be seen on this tri-footed tray. In 1893 the firm went voluntarily out of business and was taken over by the Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Alliance.

Price marked at AUD$3000.

Measurements: Diameter 25cm; weight approx. 608grams. 

Very good antique condition.