Etched Middle Eastern Souvenir Silver-Plated Tray

This is a rectangular silver-plated serving tray featuring a highly reflective, polished finish. The tray is characterized by an ornate gadrooned and shell-style scalloped border with integrated handles on each side. The flat central surface of the tray is intricately etched with religious and architectural motifs relating to Islamic holy sites. Specifically, it features detailed depictions of the Great Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, with the names 'MECCA' and 'MEDINA' etched in English and Arabic above the respectitive illustrations. The etching style is fine and linear, depicting minarets, domes, and arches bordered by decorative scrollwork. Materially, the item appears to be silver plate over a base metal, common for mid-to-late 20th-century souvenir ware. The condition shows minor surface scratches and fingerprints, typical for polished items, but no significant tarnish, pitting, or loss of plating is immediately visible. The craftsmanship suggests a commercial production designed for the pilgrimage (Hajj/Umrah) souvenir market, estimated to date from the 1970s to the 1990s. The handles are cast with rose and leaf patterns, providing a sturdy grip while adding to the rococo-influenced aesthetic of the rim.

I have examined the images of this rectangular etched silver-plated souvenir tray. The item serves as a commemorative piece for Islamic pilgrimage, featuring depictions of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina. Based on the ornate gadrooned 'shell and scroll' border and the specific etching style, I identify this as late 20th-century commercial souvenir ware, likely produced between 1975 and 1995. The condition appears Excellent-to-Very-Good; while minor surface abrasions and fingerprints are present, the integrity of the silver plating remains intact with no visible 'bleeding' of the base metal. The market for religious memorabilia and Hajj souvenirs is steady, but value is limited by the mass-produced nature of silver-plated zinc or copper alloys compared to solid .925 sterling. Comparable items typically sell in the $50 to $125 range at specialty auctions or through vintage retailers. The dual-language inscriptions increase its appeal for Western-based collectors of Middle Eastern artifacts. However, a definitive appraisal is limited by the digital format. I cannot verify the manufacturer’s hallmarks or the specific base metal composition without a physical inspection. For a full authentication, an in-person examination is required to check for 'EPNS' (Electroplated Nickel Silver) stamps on the reverse, acid testing for silver purity, and a weight check to confirm the substrate material. Provenance documentation, such as original purchase receipts from a specific geographic region, would further refine the valuation.