Hi Chris,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

The Forbes Silver Company was an American manufacturer of silver-plated hollowware, which was founded in Meriden, CT, in 1894. The company was absorbed into the International Silver Company in 1898; this brief window allows us to date this tray fairly specifically: from 1894 to 1898.

Quadruple plating means that a piece of silverware or hollowware features four times the standard industry amount of pure silver used during the electroplating process (it does not mean the object was dipped into a liquid silver bath four separate times).

By using four times the raw material, manufacturers like the Forbes Silver Company could market a higher-tier product with a brighter finish that resisted wearing down to the base metal much longer than cheaper alternatives.

While this tray might have more silver content than a standard silverplated tray, unfortunately, it does not, however, mean that it is more valuable, since it's not financially viable to chemically extract the silver from the item.

Most silverplated trays of this size and age are currently selling at auction for between $75 and $100, though dealers or private sellers might be inclined to ask higher retail prices for similar examples.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique Forbes Silver Co Quadruple Plate Serving Tray
made in Meriden, CT, 1894-1898
12 x 9 inches
CONDITION: this appears to be in good condition with wear commensurate to age and use.
PROVENANCE: inherited
$ 75-100*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia