ROBERT GRAY & SON OF GLASGOW. A very rare William IV Knife Tray made in Glasgow in 1835 by Robert Gray & Son.
ROBERT GRAY & SON OF GLASGOW. A very rare William IV Knife Tray made in Glasgow in 1835 by Robert Gray & Son.
374866
The Tray has a rectangular form with deep bowl, the sides rising to an egg and dart border. The two shortest sides of the main body are beautifully engraved, on the interior, with a contemporary Armorial, with Crest above and the Motto "Amo Probos" below. The heraldic engraving is all surrounded by a pluming scroll cartouche and has been executed to the highest standard. The exterior is also engraved with the same Arms, Crest and Motto on the longest side.
The Arms, Motto and Crest are those of Blair of Blair, County Ayrshire, quartering Scott, of Malleny Co. Edinburgh, for William Blair of Blair, 24th Laird, who succeeded his father in 1782 and represented Ayrshire in four Parliaments. Blair was Colonel commanding the Ayrshire Regiment of Sensible Cavalry. He married Magdalene, daughter of John Fordyce, of Ayrshire, Commissioner of Woods and Forests. He had, by her, five sons and seven daughters. He died in 1841 and was succeeded by his eldest son, William Fordyce Blair.
These trays are extremely rare to find being made in Silver and if they are seen they usually bear London hallmarks. This is the first time we have seen a Scottish example. This piece is in excellent condition and is very well marked. Due to their size, these trays could be used for a number of things in the dining room. They make an ideal container for bread, fruit and floral displays.
Length: 16.25 inches, 40.63 cm.
Width: 7.75 inches, 19.38 cm.
Height: 2.7 inches, 6.75 cm.
Weight: 32oz.
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![](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://marycooke.co.uk/british-silver-post-1830/robert-gray-son-of-glasgow-a-very-rare-william-iv-knife-tray-made-in-glasgow-in-1835-by-robert-gray-son&media=https://seek-unique-co.s3.amazonaws.com/marycooke-8876-Qfhef-OE67/stock/64735ed6cee83_image_url_gy500.jpg&description=The Tray has a rectangular form with deep bowl, the sides rising to an egg and dart border. The two shortest sides of the main body are beautifully engraved, on the interior, with a contemporary Armorial, with Crest above and the Motto "Amo Probos" below. The heraldic engraving is all surrounded by a pluming scroll cartouche and has been executed to the highest standard. The exterior is also engraved with the same Arms, Crest and Motto on the longest side.The Arms, Motto and Crest are those of Blair of Blair, County Ayrshire, quartering Scott, of Malleny Co. Edinburgh, for William Blair of Blair, 24th Laird, who succeeded his father in 1782 and represented Ayrshire in four Parliaments. Blair was Colonel commanding the Ayrshire Regiment of Sensible Cavalry. He married Magdalene, daughter of John Fordyce, of Ayrshire, Commissioner of Woods and Forests. He had, by her, five sons and seven daughters. He died in 1841 and was succeeded by his eldest son, William Fordyce Blair.These trays are extremely rare to find being made in Silver and if they are seen they usually bear London hallmarks. This is the first time we have seen a Scottish example. This piece is in excellent condition and is very well marked. Due to their size, these trays could be used for a number of things in the dining room. They make an ideal container for bread, fruit and floral displays.Length: 16.25 inches, 40.63 cm.Width: 7.75 inches, 19.38 cm.Height: 2.7 inches, 6.75 cm.Weight: 32oz.){kind=link}