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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;CM_MLT64, post: 9431017, member: 81121&quot;]Hello</p><p><br /></p><p>I came across your post and photos on this website and have registered to reply to your query. </p><p><br /></p><p>Since the hallmark is MO, then the silver tray was manufactured by my late father, Edward Madiona who was based in Malta and active in his trade from circa 1944 up to 1989. He sadly passed away two years ago. </p><p><br /></p><p>The hallmark bears the Maltese eight-pointed cross, and the F is that of the then Consul of the hallmarking service in Malta at the time housed in the Monte de Pieta in Valletta.</p><p><br /></p><p>The coat of arms with the five crescents on either side is that of Grandmaster Manuel Pinto da Fonseca. He was Portuguese and the 68th Grandmaster of the Order of St John of Malta from 1741 up to his death in 1773.</p><p><br /></p><p>The tray was made from 917 silver probably since the design was hand chiseled. The 917 silver is slightly stronger than 925 (sterling silver) and less likely to perforate.</p><p><br /></p><p>Some info about the actual manufacture of the tray, which we used to refer to as chased trays – it was made from a flat disc and pressed in a mold with a hand fly press. It was then hand chiseled from the front to bring out the design. The mold was usually made of a bronze base while the top part made from lead. I have kept some of my dad’s tools including probably the chisels that formed those trays!</p><p><br /></p><p>I have currently started researching items which my dad had manufactured and would like to ask you which country you are from just to locate where such items have ended up.</p><p><br /></p><p>I am glad that these trays caught your attention and I do hope you enjoy them very much. Best regards.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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