Tiffany & Co. Sterling Tray Grape & Vine Design Influences Paulding Farnham

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Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Rectangular Tray with Grape and Vine Motif, Design Influences of Paulding Farnham

This substantial Tiffany … Read more Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Rectangular Tray with Grape and Vine Motif, Design Influences of Paulding Farnham

This substantial Tiffany & Co. sterling silver tray measures 14.25" wide x 10.75" deep x 1.5" high and weighs 37.5 troy ounces (1,064 grams). The border features a pierced, canted vine‑like trellis pattern, ornamented at intervals with high‑relief bunches of grapes and grape leaves, symbolic of abundance, hospitality, and the pleasures of the table.

The pierced trellis, with its rhythmic undulating lines, is characteristic of Tiffany’s early 20th‑century silver, where naturalistic motifs were integrated into functional forms. The tray rests on four stylized shell‑form feet—each fluted and radiating from a scallop shell—raising the piece elegantly off the table surface.

At the center is a finely engraved interlaced monogram, most likely the letters "G M S" (with the “M” as the central, dominant letter in the traditional Victorian style).

Design Influence:
The grape‑and‑vine motif, along with the dynamic openwork border, reflects the organic naturalism championed by Tiffany’s chief silver designer Paulding Farnham (active at Tiffany from 1885 to 1908, but whose design vocabulary continued in use by the firm well into the 1910s and 1920s). Farnham was known for his masterful incorporation of botanical motifs—grape clusters, scrolling vines, and leaves—often inspired by Renaissance and Rococo silver, adapted for modern American taste.

Dating and Marks:
The underside bears the marks:

TIFFANY & CO.

MAKERS (indicating it was made in Tiffany’s own silver shop)

STERLING SILVER (925/1000 fineness)

Pattern number 8906 and order number 2025

A capital letter T beneath — this Tiffany date mark indicates production 1907–1947 during the directorship of John C. Moore II.

The combination of the pattern style and construction methods suggests a date circa 1910–1920.

Symbolism:

Grapes and vines: Traditionally symbolize prosperity, abundance, conviviality, and the bounty of nature—especially in association with dining and wine service.

Trellis design: Suggests cultivated beauty and refinement, evoking garden architecture.

Shell feet: In classical and Rococo ornament, shells signify beauty, protection, and maritime associations, as well as serving as a visual balance to the organic vinework above. See less