Original Rare German WWII AH Formal Pattern Large Silver Serving Tray by Wellner

Original Item: Only One available. Silver, flatware and serving pieces that were specifically made for the residences of Adolf H were highly sought after by USGIs as bring back trophies. Many items were recovered at The Berghof and the Eagle’s Nest at Obersalzberg near Berchtesgaden. This platter is in fact one of the the rare and the most desirable of all AH's silver items. Every U.S. soldier wanted to bring home something of note. AH silver was a choice item. Unlike silver eating utensils that had many in a set, large serving pieces like this example numbered much fewer (and ere harder to transport). Many U.S. soldiers who where lucky enough to get a hold of AH's silver opted for the less cumbersome eating utensils. Many times only officers or soldiers with access to motor vehicles carried big pieces home.

This is a lovely example of a circular silver warming plate from Adolf H's personal silver service. It measures 40cm (15.75in.) in diameter, with a "bowl" 35cm (12in.) across, and at the top is an art deco Reichsadler Political eagle with slightly spread wings. This is clutching a wreathed "static" swas (hook cross), and there are the correct A H initials flanking the wreath. The top underside of the tray is stamped with the maker mark of WELLNER over a circular 67 stamp, which probably indicates the mold used. On the underside edge of the "left" side it is marked with serial number 146823.

The warming tray weighs approximately 2 kilograms (4.5 lbs) and is in fine condition, though it does show denting to the bottom bowl in several areas, and there are dents around the rim as well. It shows some scratching and denting consistent with having been transported back home by a USGI. The obverse looks to have been cleaned somewhat recently and is mostly free of tarnish. The reverse shows light tarnish around the edge, and the bottom "bowl" portion is not plated, showing the "German Silver" base material. These were often used with warmers, which would quickly discolor silver plating.

These are very rare, and this is one of only a few AH Formal Pattern Trays that we ever had! Ready to add to your collection and display!