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Sunday, January 24, 2010

Silver Sunday

You might recall the silver trays I picked up at my last trip to Goodwill.  I had bought them with the intention of painting at least one with chalkboard paint {in the center}.

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However, after looking at them all week, I realized just how pretty they are.  I’m not sure that I can put chalkboard paint on these!  I also happened to turn them over and saw markings on the back.

Not owning any silver, I thought I might ask if anyone knows if these markings indicate “good” trays. 

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The larger one {above} says “Oneida”.  I’ve heard of Oneida, but don’t know anything about their silver.

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The smaller one says “Leonard Silver” and has a little crown next to the name.  I’ve never heard of this name before, so I’ve no clue about it.  Knowing that some of you are quite knowledgeable about silver you may know more about these pieces.  Thanks for your help!

Linking up to Silver Sunday at Gypsy Fish.

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21 comments:

  1. Oh I so agree with you, they are both so pretty that I don't think I could paint them either. I love the pretty detail that they both have. Have you tried to google and find out anything about them. Hope someone can help. Even if they are not really "good" silver, I think they are just gorgeous. Hugs, Marty

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  2. I'm glad you're not painting these too. They are pretty as is and will be very versatile left in their silver glory :-)
    I don't know much about the manufacturers either. Have a wonderful Sunday.
    Jane

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  3. They are too dear to paint on, they are wonderful just like that!!!!
    I love the way it almost looks like hearts scrolled in the pattern on the Leonard one, beautiful!
    Hugs,
    Margaret B

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  4. You found some really pretty trays. I would probably leave them as is. Enjoy...julie

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  5. My rule of thumb, I paint over only ugly. Those trays are beautiful.

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  6. They do look pretty just the way they are. They can be used just like you would use a basket or other type of tray - to hold books, plants, towels, etc.

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  7. Your trays are lovely and I think you need to find others that are more suitable for painting....these however....display them!!
    Happy Silver Sunday, xOxO Nerina

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  8. Lovely trays, please don't paint them...you will find several uses for them through the years.

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  9. A lot of silver trays are not marked. I consider 'good' silver to be ANY silver, LOL, so I'm not a good judge of vintage vs newer silverplate. I wouldn't repurpose unless there were lots of scratches or lots of the silverplating missing. I would display these layer together on a shelf or tabletop with some candlelight to reflect of their beautiful shiny surfaces.

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  10. Oneida and Leonard silver companys are both silverplate....I wouldn't paint over them. You can buy "fake" silver trays and paint them and get the same look!

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  11. Hi Kathy,
    Your trays are very pretty! I agree that if you love them, don't paint over them...save that for the ones that you can't get clean. The only thing I know of Oneida is that they sell stainless. Perhaps the one tray is stainless or even silverplate. As far as the other brand, I haven't heard of...but it has to be good with a crown and all, right? Good luck with your research! Thanks for sharing!
    Sharlotte

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  12. So pretty. I agree, better to display than paint. Thanks for coming....see you next Sunday!
    {{gypsy hugs}}
    Beth

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  13. Kathy...those are so pretty....glad you're not painting them. Maybe you can find one that's all scratched up and yucky to paint. :-) I don't know a lot about silverplate...but I think it comes in different levels...like some silverplates says "triple plated" which means it has more layers or a deeper layer of silverplating, so when polished, there's less chance of polishing through to the metal underneath. One of my silverplated sugar scuttles is Leonard. :-) Oh, here's an idea...go on eBay and search for silverplate tray or something along that line...and you'll be able to learn more about the value of each...which may help to give you more info about them.
    Susan

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  14. Ditto from me. I wouldn't paint these. Go to Dollar Tree and get one of the "silver" metal trays and paint it. Both of these companies are well known. You should be able to find more information about them on line. Good luck!

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  15. Kathy they really are very detailed and beautiful! I'm so glad you are not painting them.

    I know nothing at all about the value of silver. I wish I could help you. Good Luck! :)

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  16. Those are some pretty trays. I don't blame you for not painting them. Some day we'll be looking at our silver trays, sad that we painted them. You're becoming quite the goodwill girl, now! :)

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  17. They are pretty!

    Thanks for stopping by!

    love,kelee

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  18. Hi Kathy
    Well Oneida is a well known brand here in Australia.. and as Ceekay pointed out they may be silverplate.. I don't think i could bear to paint over them... One of the wonderful things about silver trays is they reflect whatever they are holding.. you'll lose this advantage if you paint them... [in my humble opinion.. ha ha] ... really I just think they look lovely as they are...Great finds.. Julie

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  19. Gasp...I'm so glad that you didn't paint them. You will find so many uses for those trays and the detail is so pretty.

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  20. Love the look of silver, its just so painful to keep shiny!

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I always enjoy reading your comments! Kathy