Presenting an Antique Solid Silver Presentation Tray of remarkable historical and sentimental importance, crafted in 1925 by the distinguished Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company of 112 Regent Street, London. This masterfully fashioned piece weighs approximately 730 grams and measures 25.5 cm in width. Its subtly octagonal outline rests on four dainty, claw-like feet, adding both balance and visual intrigue. The tray bears a full set of clear hallmarks, attesting to its maker and purity, and exemplifies the graceful styling and superb craftsmanship for which London’s finest silversmiths were renowned in the early 20th century.What elevates this tray beyond exquisite form and silver content is its unique provenance. It was presented to Lieutenant Robert Francis Lochee Bush (later Brigadier R.F.L. Bush, Royal Artillery) by the officers of the 19th Field Brigade on the occasion of his marriage on November 28th, 1925. Richly engraved across the tray’s surface are the names and signatures of many of these officers, capturing a moment in time when camaraderie, loyalty, and celebration converged. This personal touch provides an immediate, tangible link to the military circles of post-World War I Britain and to one distinguished soldier’s journey within the Royal Artillery.Lieutenant (later Brigadier) Robert Francis Lochee Bush was born on 15 May 1896 and passed away on 21 November 1955. Throughout a notable military career, he rose through the ranks—receiving acting, temporary, and substantive promotions from Major to Lieutenant-Colonel, Colonel, and ultimately Brigadier—reflecting his dedication and leadership. His service record includes pivotal appointments such as Commanding Officer of the 23rd Field Regiment Royal Artillery during the early years of the Second World War, before going on to command other brigades. He finally retired in 1948, having been granted the honorary rank of Brigadier.R.F.L. Bush’s connection to Robert Edwin Bush adds further depth to this story. The senior Bush was a philanthropist and public figure who, after returning to England in the early 1900s, purchased Bishop’s Knoll in Stoke Bishop, near Bristol. He married Margery Scott in 1907, served as Sheriff of Bristol in 1911, and became President of the Gloucestershire County Cricket Club in the same year. During World War I, Robert Edwin Bush famously converted Bishop’s Knoll into a hospital for wounded soldiers—funding its operations himself and personally serving as an ambulance orderly. This act of generosity and service to others exemplified the Bush family’s commitment to duty and compassion, traits that would have undoubtedly influenced young Robert Francis Lochee Bush in his own military endeavors.By 1919, Robert Edwin Bush’s philanthropic activities led to his role as an Australian delegate to the International Red Cross meeting in Geneva. He later engaged in both the film industry and broadcasting, traveling the world extensively until his death at Bishop’s Knoll on 29 December 1939. The Bush family’s extensive legacy of public service, military distinction, and transnational ties (spanning Britain, Australia, and beyond) weaves an extraordinary backdrop for the presentation tray offered here.Every aspect of this 1925 solid silver tray resonates with layers of history—an object commissioned to mark a joyous marriage within a prominent family, enriched by the respect and fellowship of military officers who signed their names in tribute. The tray’s regal lines and balanced proportions are underscored by the four decorative feet, while the engraved text and signatures create a mesmerizing focal point that entices collectors and historians alike.For connoisseurs of militaria, family history, or fine silver, this tray represents a compelling convergence of aesthetics, heritage, and personal narrative. In the same piece, you witness the elegance of London silversmithing, the storied career of an officer who rose to the rank of Brigadier, and the philanthropic achievements of a remarkable family that shaped British and Australian military and civilian life.This offering is not merely a collectible but a tangible document of its era, bridging personal sentiment with broader historical currents. Its presence at auction is a rare opportunity to acquire an artifact that embodies the spirit, service, and celebration of an influential family—and a lasting tribute to the dedication and fellowship of the officers of the 19th Field Brigade.In summary, the Antique Solid Silver Presentation Tray is:Crafted in 1925 by the Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company (London).Approximately 730 grams, 25.5 cm wide, with a roughly octagonal shape and claw-like feet.Engraved with multiple signatures of the 19th Field Brigade, marking Lieutenant R.F.L. Bush’s marriage on November 28, 1925.Imbued with a rich family history, extending from Robert Edwin Bush’s WWI-era philanthropy to Brigadier Bush’s distinguished military career.This remarkable piece stands as a testament not just to fine silver artistry, but also to a storied lineage and a vivid chapter in 20th-century military history—an incomparable addition to any discerning collection.
