This is a unique B.S.C.E.P. Barbour Silver Company Footed Tray. The tray is Silver Plated and has a detailed raised grapevine designed around the outer rim of tray. There are three clawed feet supporting the tray. The center of the tray has an etching, of what looks like a "Dutch" design, in copper and copper also outlines other details throughout the piece.

There are few markings on this tray.

·         The Barbour Silver Company markings off "Lion with Wings-Griffin/Thistle-Crown/Arm-and-Hammer" arising out of a Castle.

·         BSCEP in blocks representing "Barbour Silver Company Extra Electroplate".

·         05644 /11 which is the tray number and the size of 12.5".

This piece does NOT have the "IS" lettering, which means this dates prior to being absorbed by the International Silver Company in 1898. Pieces after the 1898 were marked with "IS" along with the Barbour markings.

According to researchers at the Connecticut Historical Society, in 1881 or 1882, Samuel Barbour moved from Chicago to New Haven, Conn., where he and his brother Charles joined in forming the Barbour Brothers Company. During that time they were only marketers of silverplate products made by I. J. Steane & Co. of Hartford. In 1898, Barbour Silver Company became one of the first silver firms absorbed by the International Silver Company of Meriden, Conn.