Alphonse La Paglia for International Silver Co. Sterling Silver Round Tray, c. 1950's

This beautiful modern tray has a lovely, flat interior with a raised edge.  Applied to the edge are a repeating bellflower design and three unusual handles consisting of five silver balls and four rings.  This strong, moderne design works wonderfully with this tray.

Alphonse La Paglia created silver for Georg Jensen, USA, and others. In 1952 International Silver Co. contracted La Paglia to create a line of modern silver.  After La Paglia's untimely death in 1953, International continued to make his designs.  (See "Alphonse La Paglia: Silversmith and Designer" by Dorothy Rainwater in Silver Magazine, May/June 1995.)  According to Rainwater, these ball and ring ornaments 'symbolized flower bulbs and roots' and the border symbolized 'flowers ripe with seeds'.

This large sterling silver tray is marked underneath INTERNATIONAL/ STERLING/ La Paglia Designed/ 17025/3'.  In a rare, large size, it measures 17 inches round and weighs an impressive 65.30 troy ounces.  It is in very good antique condition with minor surface scratches from use.