A Very Fine Old Sheffield Plate Serving Tray by Matthew Boulton, 
England Circa 1825                                                                                                          
A very fine and large early 19th century Georgian 'Old Sheffield Plate' handled serving tray of oval form, the exterior surface engraved with foliate motifs and centred by a circular sterling silver 'let-in' plaque engraved with a heraldic crest & motto, the underside bearing impressed marks for Matthew Boulton and raised overall on four short supports.                                                                 
Dimensions, 1.5” high x 31.5" wide (across the handles) x 20" deep.                                     
Note: Matthew Boulton (1728-1809) is considered to be without question one of the most important & influential industrialists and silversmiths of the 19th century, and although he died in 1809 the factory continued to produce items until approximately 1840.