An excellent late 19th century mahogany butler's tray with shaped gallery and pierced hand holds, raised on folding squared legs. The rectangular tray has good dovetail corners, raised sides and handle-holds to the long sides, with a down-swept lower edge to one end. The folding stand with square section legs is joined by webbing straps.  Restored and repolished, and with new webbing applied - its condition is beyond superb.

History

The Butler’s tray was a Georgian invention, and was brought from below-stairs by domestic staff to the household’s living quarters set with drinks or plated dishes. The folding frame was then opened and set up wherever the lady or gentlemen of the house desired it be. It was portable and thoroughly useful, as it provided a quick put-up table when and where needed. The tray’s handles were set on the long sides for practical carrying reasons, for it would be brought up from the below-stairs butler’s pantry via the narrow servants’ stairs that serviced the upper rooms of the house.

Country of origin: UK

Date: c.1890

Material: mahogany 

Dimensions: Height 88cm Length 73cm Depth 48.5cm

Condition: immaculate

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