Odiot - Tray - Silver

Silver Tray MAISON ODIOT IN PARIS Hallmark 950 (Minerva) 19th century. Antique 424g

For sale is a unique item of immense historical and collecting value — a round silver tray with two integrated handles, originating from the legendary Paris workshop Maison Odiot. This manufactory, founded in 1690, was an official supplier, among others, to Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and the leading European royal courts.

The item bears a complete set of original, well-preserved, fully legible authenticity marks (visible in the photos):
1. The workshop’s mark: a lozenge with the symbol of an ancient olive lamp and the letter “O” at the top.
2. The manufactory punch: an embossed full inscription “ODIOT. A PARIS”.
3. Catalogue/inventory number: a manually struck low number 2002, indicating 19th-century origin.
4. French national hallmark (on the rim): Minerva’s head in a cut octagon, which definitively confirms 1st-grade silver (content up to 950/1000 pure metal). This fineness is higher than the popular British sterling silver (925).

The tray is made of thick, solid, heavy silver. On the mirror surface of the tray is a beautiful, original period tied monogram (letters C / D) surrounded by subtle botanical motifs, executed using the chasing technique. The silver is covered with a natural, aged patina that highlights its authenticity and age (upon buyer’s request the item can be easily refreshed to a mirror shine using methods safe for antique silver — I deliberately leave it in its original state). There are no deep scratches, dents, cracks, or signs of old repairs.

Specifications:
• Weight: 424 g (high fineness 950)
• External overall diameter: approx. 23.5 cm
• Interior mirror diameter: approx. 21.5 cm
• Material: Silver fineness 950 (hallmarked)
• Origin: France, Paris, Maison Odiot
• Era: 19th century