Jacachet Decorative Antiques & Interiors

Description

Lovely silver plated tray by Joseph Rodgers & Sons, cutlers and silversmiths, highly successful in the late 19th Century. 33cm diamter, 2cm high.

In the shape of a lily pad, the centre cartouche is plain, the tray is set on four bun shaped feet. Dates from C1880. Some loss of plating around the cartouche, one of the feet may have been resoldered. Displays really well.

Founded in Sheffield, England, Joseph Rodgers, first began producing fine silverware in 1682. By 1730 Joseph's sons - Maurice and Joseph - had taken over from their father and ran the firm.

At first, the company solely specialised in producing pocket knives. From the beginning, Rodgers focused on producing the highest quality wares each work was branded with the Rodgers Star and Cross symbol as a guarantee of its superb quality.

In 1821 the firm was appointed official cutlers to the British Royal Family and to five successive British sovereigns: George IV, William IV, Queen Victoria, Edward II and George V.

In 1871 the company became known as Joseph Rodgers & Sons, and continued to expand until it became the largest cutlery factory in the north of England. Rodgers & Sons continued to produce silverware for the British nobility and monarchy, in addition to catering for growing export markets such as Asia and Africa. North America became the firm's largest export market.