Clemens Friedell Sterling Silver Meat Platter, Pasadena, CA, c. 1920

This stunning serving platter was executed by Clemens Friedell, one of the most famous silversmiths of the California arts and crafts movement during the early 20th century. He worked as a chaser for Gorham in their Martelé line and later executed his own pieces in Pasadena, California.

This oval tray has a shaped edge decorated with wonderfully bold chased iris flowers and foliage interspersed with ivy with berries and incised lines around the border. A wonderful repousséd 'JAK' monogram is superbly executed. Striking overall hammering makes the tray sparkle.

Clemens's shop in Pasadena's exclusive Hotel Maryland allowed him to sell to the hotel's wealthy national clientele and more local Hollywood stars. One of his specialties was raised monograms such as on this platter. For more information, see Silver Magazine Nov/Dec 2003 article 'Clemens Friedell: The Master of the Monogram by T. Wells.

This rare sterling silver server is marked underneath 'FRIEDELL/ STERLING/ PASADENA'. It measures 19 inches long by 13.5, weighs 37.40 troy ounces and is in good/ very good antique condition with light wear to the decoration and surface scratches to the interior from use.