This large (14 by 17 inch) and heavy unmarked silver tray (possibly silver plate) originally belonged to John Pascal Paoli Peck, the founder of the Union Central Insurance Company. It was an anniversary gift commemorating his 25 year union with his third wife (Frances Fitton)( 1858-1883).

It is engraved with a wonderful Arctic scene of a walrus sitting amidst ice flows (under a huge moon) watching a sailing ship in the distance. It also has engraved details with ice stalactites that makes it appear as if the scene is being viewed from within a glacial cave. The purchase of Alaska from Russia occurred in 1867 midway in the 25 years covered by the tray. It was a very appropriate motif and a very popular one among wealthy businessmen and industrialists at that time.

The condition of this silver tray is quite good considering that it is very heavy and over 120 years old. It has a few areas of surface degradation and small areas that have been cleaned (most likely trying to determine if it is pure silver or not). I assumed that it was not, so it was not tested by me. Neither does it have the obvious cuts where previous owners have tested it. It was a gift given to or by a very wealthy man of the late 19th century. The edge details are outstanding and this piece is unmarked. Why? Because it was probably a custom order made to give to a very wealthy man and his wife on their 25th or Silver Anniversary.