ARS ITEM No. 2: The Brass Serving Tray

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[NOTE - This post is part 2 of a series chronicling a trip to the ARS.]

ITEM No. 2:  The Brass Serving Tray

Now here is a PERFECT Antiques Roadshow item.  It is old, has been in the family for at least four generations, and is marked with a maker's mark, and a date.  And the thing is damn heavy!  Cara flew back with it from NY just to bring it to the roadshow, and did the obligatory research ahead of time.  It was made in 1885 by Nicholas Muller Sons NY.  The magic of google turned up a few pieces (a clock and such) from the same company, but nothing even vaguely similar.

The Appraisal: Act II

BLASÉ APPRAISER: (lowering his glasses and looking slightly interested) Well, what do you have here?

CARA: Well, I don't know much about it except that my Great Grandmother bought it at an antique store in New York.  It's been in my family ever since, and no one really likes it, but we've held onto in because it's really old.

BA: (searches on his computer under the name Nicholas Muller) Well, this name isn't coming up.  Nicholas Muller is likely the company that made this-- you don't know the artist?

C: No.

BA: (clearly losing interest) Well, that's about all I can tell you then.  It's brass.  And this scene on the front is a mystery.  Maybe it's biblical?  As far as worth, as a decorative piece, it might be worth a few hundred dollars.

C:  So you don't know anything more about this company?

BA:  No, but you could try google.

C:  I did. A few clocks came up under this name, but nothing like this tray.

BA:  Really.  Well, it's brass, and it's not in great condition.  It has lost its patina.  Someone tried to clean it.

C:  Yeah.  Thanks.

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THE VERDICT:  Google: 1  -  ARS Appraiser: 0