LARGE ANTIQUE ANGLO-INDIAN P. ORR & SONS SILVER PLATED TRAY WITH ENGRAVED SCENES~MARRIAGE GIFT TO MR ROBERTSON, P.ORR'S MANAGING DIRECTOR Objet d'art

Large silver plated serving tray made by P. Orr & Sons and given as a wedding gift to Mr. R. J. C. Robertson, who is listed as a managing director at P. Orr & Sons in Thacker's Indian Directory for 1937-38. Inscription reads: 'PRESENTED TO MR R. J. C. ROBERTSON ON THE OCCASION OF HIS MARRIAGE BY P. ORR & SONS 1907' The Tray measures 45 x 75 cm and weighs roughly 4 kilos. Decoration consists of beaded edge with gift inscription to central oval cartouche which is surrounded by elaborately engraved scenes of buildings, trees, rickshaws(?) and cattle etc. Tray is supported upon four decorative foliate ball and claw feet. Marks to rear: PO&S, EPNS & number '5' in a circle. Appears to be no, or very little loss of plate. Light surface marks. Rear tarnished. Remnants of silver polish to handles and feet. Structurally sound. A unique item. --- P. Orr & Sons, popularly known as the 'Time keepers of Madras', founded in 1846, is a chain of stores that sells watches and clocks based in the city of Chennai in India. It used to primarily make clocks, and at the end of the 19th century, various objects in the style known as Swami silver, with European shapes but Hindu decoration. It was started by Peter Orr from Scotland in 1846 on the foundation of the nascent George Gordon & Co. The first showroom of P. Orr & Sons was opened at Anna Salai in the year 1879 which is today a heritage building and still in operation. The building was commissioned by Scottish watchmaker Peter Orr, and designed by Robert Chisholm, consulting architect to the Government of Madras. It was inaugurated by Prince George, Duke of York, who later became King George V, and Princess Mary of Teck, who later became Queen Mary. The store initially sold diamonds, equipment, guns, silver good, and later began selling mechanical watches and clocks. This is the place where first Rolex watch was sold in India for 198rs. The establishment was sold to Karumuttu Thiagarajan Chettiar's, a famous Textile Mill baron in 1967. Today the chain of stores is part of his Loyal Textiles group. --- As it is sometimes difficult to properly judge the appearance and condition of an item from the description and photos alone, please feel free to buy knowing that you can return the item post free if you are not entirely pleased with your purchase. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions. Combined shipping available at cost. Welsh Bridge Books & Collectables is a bricks and mortar shop located alongside the River Severn at Shrewsbury, in a beautiful 16th Century building housing three floors of interesting and eclectic books and collectables for sale. If you're in Shropshire please pop by and say hello!