Interesting Hawkes Handled Tray SOLD

This handled tray, signed Hawkes, has me baffled. I’ve only ever seen this blank twice – on a Hawkes’ Panel tray (photo on this page) and a Hawkes Gravic Chicken tray. I would consider those pieces to be sandwich trays, yet this piece is nearly one third of the size!??! I have no idea what the function of this piece was but the blank is identical to the Panel piece – down to the formation of, and cutting on, the handles. It’s just much smaller.

The pattern on this piece includes an unusual cross-cut motif with fields of full fans. The center has a rayed star which is actually outlined with an additional miter. The handles are left completely clear except for the very end where there are two parallel, curved miters.

The piece is in very good condition but does have two small little nips to the teeth and a tiny fleabite to a handle. The blank is quite clear and shows of the understated, yet tasteful pattern. The piece measures 6 3/4″ from handle to handle and 7/8″ tall.