I wanted to know the name of every stone and flower and insect and bird and beast. I wanted to know where it got its colors, where it got its life - but there was no one to tell me. George Washington Carver

{HISTORY}

To find a vintage or antique monogram is always exciting. But it is even doubly exciting when an entire first and last name proudly declares itself on a piece of history from the long-time past. This antique Rogers  & Bro tray dates to about the 1880s and bears a beautifully designed nameplate decoratively inscribed in the center.

Weighing in at just over 5lbs, this is a hefty piece of serving ware made of hard white metal  - an alloy containing tin, copper, antimony, or a combination of all three. It's stamped on the back with the Rogers & Bro mark, which is a stylish component in and of itself. 

The frontside features a band of flowers around the edge that includes loopy swirls, leaves and berries, and dozens of tiny pineapples, a symbol of enduring hospitality. Inscribed in the center is the name, Lucy Stafford, which is surrounded by a delicate and stylish design similar to a  nameplate you'd find in an old book. 

It's so fun to imagine who this Lucy Stafford might have been, what kind of house she lived in, and what occasion called for such a tray inscribed with her name. Perhaps it was a wedding gift, or maybe an award given to her for something in which she excelled. The tray itself was made by Rogers & Bro, a company that has operated in Waterbury CT from 1860 to the 1970s. That leaves many possibilities in our stories about Lucy. This tray could have spent most of its life up North in New England or somewhere along the Atlantic coastline. Or perhaps it traveled the country as Lucy traveled the country on adventures big and small. Yet again,maybe it lived its entire life in one grand house that Lucy cherished all her life.

Whatever the scenario, this beauty now makes an intriguing statement piece for wall hangings and a wonderful serving tray for practical use.  It's not often that you find a  helper and a daydream all wrapped up in one. This piece offers both!

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Monogrammed

- Stamped on back with maker's mark

- Decorative detailing

- Heavy weight

- Rare, one of a kind serving piece

{CONDITION}

Tarnished to perfection, this tray has seen some adventure in its day or at least was exposed to it. Please see photos for surface conditions.

{SIZE}

Measures 17.5" inches (length) x 14" inches (width) x 1" inch (depth) and weighs 5.4lbs.