Silver (?) tray with repousse deer

I am not sure what to make of this thing, found in a thrift shop. The body of the tray is 17 x 10 7/8" (43 x 27.5cm), excluding the handles. It tarnishes like silver, and shines up like silver (I polished only the inside and outside of the rim, to see how it behaved). There seems to be a steel/iron reinforcement in the rolled rim, as it attracts a magnet, but no attraction in any other portions of the tray. There are no markings indicating the maker. Each repousse deer and tree is a little different. On the rim there are faint circles visible (I tried to show this in a couple of the photos) that look like spot welding (?). I suppose it might be electroplated copper. It is quite heavy (approximately 2 lbs). Unfortunately, I do not have a way to test for silver.
Any thoughts?

 

Hmmmm. I have guessed at first glance that the outer parts, including the handles were recycled from a silver plated tray and the center was inserted after the hand work was finished. In fact, I still think the handles are recycled - probably "white metal mounts" from a damaged item. Would not surprise me to find the majority of the material is silver plated on base metal.

Since tray markings are usually on the underside (either in the center or on the underside of the outer edge) they were destroyed in the recycling process. All of that is "in theory" of course, but that's what it looks like to me.

 

Rub one of the ball feet (in a worn spot where the tray would sit) with your finger, then smell the wear spot ...any metallic smell? Any smell at all?

 

Yes, I thought the handles looked reused, too.

It does smell a little coppery, but I have been handling another copper piece this afternoon, so I wasn't sure.

 

Any smell = usually not sterling or 800 silver

 

Well, that's not a good sign.

 

The Pinterest part leading to that broken link had a tiny description: "Silver Brass Deer Tray Rustic Lodge Cabin Decor India Serving Platter Heavy VTG"

 

@i need help, you are amazing. So, there was at least more than one (some of the antlers are a little different).

India does make sense. I checked on worthpoint using that description, and it did not come up. I suppose that means it was listed on ebay but did not sell.

Thank you all!

 

There are other metals that polish up like silver, best to have it tested!

 

I found one today. It had an made in India tag and also a tag, not for food,display only. It cleaned up nicely with bar keepers friend

 

Who is that? The lady who lives down the street?

 

Yes, they say she is handy to have around !

 

Hi, I know what you mean. I have a pair of these and can't make my mind up what they are made of. Very light weight with no hall marks.

 

I seem to remember seeing one of these also no marks, very tempting though, didn't buy - recall it being MAYBE Italian?

 

Thanks blooey, not my usual thing but I go to a house clearance warehouse full of boxes of everything you can think of. Filled a pillow case last time and was there over 3 hours rummaging. Whole lot cost £15 so these probably cost 40 - 50 pence for the pair if that. Need to limit my visits, or get a bigger home.