The Grand Antique Mall, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, presents an antique, historic 1866 silver tray by Meriden Britannia engraved in the center,  R. E. Lee . The authentic, silver plated tray was aboard the steamboat Robert E. Lee, the fastest, most luxurious paddle-wheel steamer of its era, measuring 285 feet long and built in New Albany, Indiana, at a cost surpassing $230,000. Her inaugural voyage took place in October 1866, under the command of Captain John W. Cannon. Accommodations were on a scale of grandeur and magnificence never before seen. Ceilings were arched and gilded; there were stained glass windows, crystal chandeliers, rosewood furniture. The largest, most prestigious silver company of the time, Meriden Britannia, created the steamer’s silverware that included goblets, platters and trays, of which the R. E. Lee plate was part. The Robert E. Lee steamer, internationally famous for setting extraordinary speed records, lives on in lore and legend as one of the most celebrated paddle-wheel steamer boats in American history. The tray is a rare find -- the steamboat caught fire near Point Pleasant, Louisiana, on September 30, 1882. Twenty-one people died in the blaze and nearly all cargo perished. DIMENSIONS=1/2”H x 14-1/4”W x 11-1/8”L. WT=2.00 lbs. CONDITION: Carefully review photos. Shows moderate to heavy wear on front and back. Overall good condition for its 157 years including gadrooned edges; R.E. Lee engraving; fine barley grain guillochè pattern in parallel lines of varying widths. We leave the issue of polishing up to the buyer. A true historic treasure! QUESTIONS? Please send a message and we’ll promptly reply.