Tray

Tray A tray from the Potoccy collection; it is made of silver and stems from the year 1810. The tray is oval, large, with a raised open work flange. The open work is made of a geometrical arrangement, the edge is turned out, decorated in palmette and flowers, in matte. The tray centre is smooth, the initials HWS are engraved in the middle. The longitudinal axis of the tray includes two oval grips – openings in the flange, decorated with an oak leaf garland with acorns. On the reverse of the centre there are gilder’s marks. Trays gained popularity as tea serving sets entered use. In the beginning of the 19th century, when friendly gatherings over tea or coffee became popular, trays became necessary; they were sometimes quite large, allowing one to carry all the required equipment (cups with saucers, sugar bowls, milk containers, etc.) at once. Most trays include coats of arms, saying, gems. Over time, the function of trays changed, and they were used to serve minor snacks, glasses or were used anywhere two hands couldn’t cope to serve everything safely and securely.