Austro-Hungarian Jugendstil Silver Cake Tray

• Circa - A Latin term meaning 'about', often used in the antique trade to give an approximate date for the piece, usually considered to be five years on either side of the circa year. Thus, circa 1900 means the piece was made about 1900, probably between 1895 and 1905. The expression is sometimes abbreviated to c.1900.
• Embossed / Repousse - Embossing, also known as repousse, is the technique of decorating metal with raised designs, by pressing or beating out the design from the reverse side of the object.It is the opposite of chasing, where the decoration is applied from the front. An embossed or repoussed object may have chasing applied to finish off the design.
• Jugendstil - The German and Austrian version of the Art Nouveau style and the other related styles that were expanding everywhere in Europe in the early 20th century.
  
  The name was derived from the title of the Munich cultural magazine, "Die Jugend", with the addition of "Stil", which translates as "youth style".
  
  Jugendstil encompasses all forms of architecture and art: industrial facilities, elevated-train systems, villas, churches, as well as the interior design of bars and coffee houses
  
  In Austria, Jugendstil developed also in various ways, mainly under the effect of the Viennese Secession and of the Wiener Werkstätte.
• Hallmarks - A mark stamped on articles of precious metals in Britain, since the 14th century, certifying their purity. It derives its name from the Guild Hall of the Goldsmiths' Company, who recieved its Charter in 1327 giving it the power to assay (test the purity) and mark articles of gold and silver.
  
  The hallmark will consist of several marks, including the:
  
  - silver standard mark, indicating the purity of the metal. Sterling silver is .925 pure silver.
  
  - the city mark indicating the city in which it was assayed eg London, Birmingham, York etc.
  
  - the date mark, usually a letter of the alphabet in a particular font and case,
  
  - a duty mark, indicating whether duty had been paid to the crown, and only in use from 1784 to 1890
  
  The piece may include an additional mark, the maker's mark, although not forming part of the hallmark, will be located in the vicinity of the hallmarks.
  
  Sometimes silver plated items will bear faux hallmarks, often confusing those not familiar with silver markings.

This item has been included into following indexes:

• Jugendstil - ceramics, glass, silver and metalware 40
• silver, country of manufacture - Austro-Hungarian and Austrian 201
• trays, silver
  • silver, 20th century 371
  • silver, Victorian 179