Buttler-Tray in cuba mahogany. Folding "X" legs. - Lot 204

Buttler-Tray in cuba mahogany. Folding "X" legs. England, early 20th century. Height HT 74.5 cm. Top: 103 x 81 cm. Late 19th / Early 20th century. Note: Butler-trays or service tables were designed for waiters or butlers to serve tea or other beverages and snacks. They were not only used on the decks of ocean liners, but also on the terraces of manor houses and cottages. The tray had fixed or folding edges to prevent serving pieces from falling off on the way. In larger homes, they were made of fine mahogany or rosewood. They rested on folding X-shaped legs for easy transport and placement. These legs were high, as English precedence dictated that no servant should bend over in front of his masters or customers.