Wm. Gale (NY) Heavy Round Tray with European Provenance

This solid silver tray is 9" in diameter and weighs a substantial 12.8 T. oz. It is stamped W. Gale & Son (NY), suggesting it was made between 1853-66. This dating is fully consistent with the style of the piece. There is a second, incused rectangle that is blurred, but the last portion are the letters ES, which may indicate Gale, Wood & Hughes, or Gale and Hughes, two Gales partnerships. There is no standard designation, but Gale went to sterling very early on, so this could be coin or sterling. There is one other component to the markings, in that there is a touch mark on the front, a head in an oval, and what is surely a bigorne on the backside. That all indicates this piece found its way to France at some point, as these are import marks. The piece has several distinguishing design features. One is the applied rim, which is a blossom and sinuous, entwined leaf interpretation. The entire interior surface is engraved in a dense leaf, scroll, shell and floral motif. The center of the interior has a applied medallion with an irregular border. This is a curiosity. It integrates well with the overall design, but does raise the question of whether it was original, or perhaps added to cover a monogram. Regardless, and in sum, this piece is a handsome and example of mid 19th century craft at its sophisticated best. Furthermore, it has the additional element of a French provenance. The condition is excellent. There is a bit of polishing wear on the high spots of the border. The engraving, however, remains crisp and sharp. The surface is flat, free of dings, and has a finely patinated surface.