Antique sterling silver serving tray. Made by the Gorham Corporation, Rhode Island, USA, 1913.
Important provenance of the gilded age rich high society (see below).
Measurements:
over 2 foot long, excluding the handles, which add a number of inches on either side. Over 18 3/4 inches wide. Weighs 11 1/2 lbs.
Description:
Very heavy, beautiful solid silver tray. Rounded rectangular in shape. Gadrooned beaded borders. Engraved decoration on the shoulders.
Dolphin scrolled handles with moulded foliage.
An engraved monogram in the center includes the letter C for the Camp family.
Provenance:
From the extremely prestigious estate of William Nelson Camp, owner of Florida Power, vast real estate and phosphate mines and good friend of the richest of the rich and powerful.
Marks and Metal:
Engraved mark on the back has Gorham mark, 72A and a little clover, which denotes the year 1913.
Condition:
Very good condition considering age. Please see 'photos and feel free to ask questions, which we will do our best to answer.
THE STORY:
the Gilded Age saw immensely wealthy American tycoons who built railroads, owned mines and married royalty in Britain and Europe. One such family was the Floridian Camp family, friends of the Vanderbilts. Most interesting is the 'photograph of Consuelo Vanderbilt, later Consuelo Balsan serving tea in Palm Beach, Florida. In front of her is a huge tray, that looks identical to this one. Could it be the same? Coindidentally, the porcelain teaset she is using (see cup, saucer and covered bowl) are almost certainly from a very early (circa 1800) set by Flight Barr Barr, antecedent of the later Royal Worcester porcelain factory). We have a large number of pieces from the identical set, bought in Dublin Ireland - not included, but available for sale.
Today, electricity in Florida is supplied by Florida Power and Light (FPL).
