Presentation Tea Tray

Silver-plated oval tea tray, part of a five piece hot-beverage service, edged with beading that continues around spool handles, sides splayed and pierced, upper surface engraved with concentric bands of Greek key, and stylized S-scroll ornament creating reserve for inscription. Inscription: Engraved on obverse: PRESENTED / TO / Noah L. Farnham / BY / the Active and Honorary members of / MUTUAL / HOOK and Ladder Co. / No. 1 / NEW-YORK, May 7th / 1855. Mark: Attached to tray is plaquette with oval shield supported by lion and unicorn beneath legend: JAMES DIXON & SONS / SHEFFIELD. Engraved on one handle: [crown] / BV / I 99.