An English sterling silver two handled tea tray
James Dixon & Sons, Sheffield
1925
Centrally engraved with a heraldic crest over a banner with motto Denione Caelum.
length 29 1/4in (74.2cm); width 18 1/4in (46.5cm); weight approximately 122oz troy
Footnote:
The crest as engraved upon this tray is that of the family of Denison.

This tea tray was in the possession of a gentleman of the family of Denison, of Ossington Hall, Ossington, near Newark on Trent in the County of Nottinghamshire. This date would allow the hypothesis that the trays owner was Alfred John Denison (born 8th April 1857 died 3rd June 1943). Alfred was the fourth son of Sir William Thomas Denison, KCB and his wife, Caroline Lucy Hornby. He married Kathleen Louise Kelly (died 30th July 1930) on the 30th July 1903. She was the daughter of Walter John Kelly, of Killarney, Bogowantalawa on the Island of Ceylon. Alfred succeeded eventually to the Ossington Hall estate under the terms of the will of his nephew, William Frank Evelyn Denison upon the death of his nephew mother, Lady Elinor Amhurst on the 30th July 1939.The Denisons of Ossington descend from William Denison (died 1782), an eminent merchant of Leeds in the County of Yorkshire who purchased the Manor of Ossington
in 1753. He also served as the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire in the year 1779.

General marks, scratches, rubbing, tarnishing and wear commensurate with age and use.