A silver card tray is a small, oval-shaped tray made of silver, often adorned with intricate engravings or decorations. It's typically used to hold calling cards, which were commonly used in the 19th and early 20th centuries as a means of formal introduction and communication. When a visitor arrived at a wealthy individual's home and the homeowner was unavailable, the butler or servant would present the card tray to the visitor. The visitor would then place their calling card on the tray as a way to signify their presence and leave a record of their visit for the homeowner to see later. The engravings on the tray, such as windmills, ships, and landscapes, would add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the object, reflecting the owner's status and taste.
