Tray - .950 silver - Napoleonic silver tray

Antique French 950 Silver Gallery Tray – Paris, 1798–1809 – 309 g

An elegant French solid silver tray dating to the late 18th or early 19th century, during the Directoire, Consulate and early Napoleonic period.

Made of high-grade 950/1000 silver, the rectangular tray rests on four spherical feet and features an intricately pierced gallery decorated with repeating floral and scrollwork motifs, complemented by delicate beaded borders.

The underside bears the historic French rooster hallmark with the numeral 1, indicating first-standard silver of 950/1000 fineness, used between 1798 and 1809. A further guarantee hallmark depicting an elderly man's head with the number 85 identifies Paris. An additional diamond-shaped silversmith's mark is present, although its attribution remains uncertain.

Weighing 309 grams, the tray is an attractive example of French silver craftsmanship from the Napoleonic era. It may originally have served as a small presentation tray or as part of a larger table service.

The piece remains in good antique condition, showing surface scratches, minor irregularities and signs of use consistent with its age.

Origin: Paris, France
Period: 1798–1809
Material: Solid silver, 950/1000
Weight: 309 g
Silversmith: Unidentified, maker's mark present
Dimensions:Approximately 30 × 17 × 5 cm

A fine collectible piece of early French silver, with attractive pierced decoration and original period hallmarks.