Signed Benedict Mfg. Co. silverplate swing-handle engraved serving tray #1593

Description

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This sleek vintage tray swoops beneath an ornately engraved swivel handle which smoothly folds to either side.  The tray measures 13.5” by 6.5” with a .75” collar and applied foliate banding.  See urns, oculus, acanthus leaves and other classical motifs.  With handle upright, the piece is 5”tall.
Solid and no dents, but surface scratches and areas of silver loss.
A pretty napkin liner will conceal these flaws, and energetic polishing will restore gleam.
On the underside are impressed markings of
Benedict
,
EPNS
(
electro plated nickel silver),
B.M.M.
(meaning
the tray has Britannia metal mounts or handles), the company’s later maker’s mark of a diamond shape
logo
enclosing a central bee flanked by capital Bs (for Benedict),
Made in U.S.A.
,
Period Plate
, and the catalog item number
1593
.
More interesting background:
Established by Mainor Stuart Benedict in East Syracuse NY in 1894, the Benedict company crafted high-quality
cast,
stamped and embossed metal novelties, hollow-ware, clock cases, desk sets a
nd even lamps till the late 1940s or early1950s.
One researcher says “
Stylistically these products leaned towards the late-Victorian and Art Nouveau aesthetic.”
After the death of M. S. Benedict, his son, Harry L. Benedict, became principal owner of the company, expanding the product line into furniture hardware.