AN INSCRIBED silver tray with more than 100 years of history is estimated to sell for thousands at auction next month.

Dorset-based Charterhouse Auctioneers have acquired a solid silver tray which will go under the gavel in a two-day auction on December 2 and 3.

Charterhouse founder Richard Bromell said: “Weighing in at over 10lbs you have to feel sorry for the domestic staff who would have carried this tray full up with cucumber sandwiches in the summer, mince pies at Christmas, coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon or an aperitif in the early evening.”

Estimated at £2,000, the silver tray is hallmarked for London 1895. At 73cm wide it has a gadroon, shell and acanthus leaf border with a presentation inscription to Reverend Alexander Maclaverty. The tray was presented to him by his parishioners and friends in 1917.

The tray is fitted in its own oak box and lining the box is an old Telegraph newspaper dating back to 1953.

Viewing for the auctions is on Monday November 29 to Thursday December 2. Visit charterhouse-auction.com for live internet bidding information.