Designer: Louis W. Rice (1872 - 1933)

Item: Sky-scraper Tray Model 5252

Manufactured by: Apollo Studios a division of Bernard Rice’s Sons

Country of origin: United States

Year made: 1928

Materials: Silverplate over brass

Dimensions: ½” x 4 ¼” x 8 ¼” 

Description: Here is a rare Louis Washington Rice designed Sky-scraper tray or dish.  This rare object was produced in 1928 by the Apollo Studios line, a division of Bernard Rice’s Sons.  The Sky-scraper line of hollowware included a coffee and tea service, cocktail shakers and accessories, serving platters and trays, gravy boats, other serving objects, candlesticks and dresser or desk items such as hand mirrors and tobacco boxes.  When we acquired this tray, we believed it to be the under tray for the gravy boat they produced, but we later learned that tray is larger than this.  We are unsure what the actual function was for this tray, but it is perfect for holding business cards.  Fully marked on the bottom as shown.

Condition: Excellent.  Appears never used and was stored away properly for many years resulting in this terrific original finish with no loss of plating, no pitting or other issues that often accompany these objects.  

References: Stern, Jewel, Modernism in American Silver: 20th Century Design, Yale University Press, (2005); Johnson, Stewart J., American Modern: 1925-1940 - Design for a New Age, Harry N. Abrams, Inc. Publishers, (2000); Wilson, Richard Guy, Pilgrim, Dianne H., Tashjian, Dickran, The Machine Age in American 1918-1941, Harry N. Abrams Inc, Publishers (1986); Duncan, Alistair, Modernism: Modernist Design 1880-1940, The Norwest Collection, Antique Collectors Club (1998).