Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original German WWII large oval silver plated serving platter in the AH Formal Pattern, produced for formal use within Adolf H's household and official entertaining settings. The platter was manufactured by Wellner and measures approximately 54cm x 36cm (21.25" x 14"). The upper rim is decorated with an Art Deco style political eagle with slightly spread wings above a wreathed static hook cross, flanked by the initials A H. The platter weighs approximately 2.6 kilograms (5.75 lbs) and remains in very good overall condition.

The central bowl measures approximately 43cm x 24.5cm (16.96" x 9.6"). On the underside near the upper edge is the WELLNER maker marking accompanied by a circular:

82

stamp, while the underside edge on the left side is marked with the serial number:

147130

The "82" marking usually indicates the amount of pure silver used during the electroplating process, and is higher for larger items. We have previously had a platter of the same size, which had the same silver marking.

The platter retains a lightly tarnished silver plated finish overall and does not appear to have been recently polished. There are scattered scratches around the upper portion of the bowl, but no major dents, bends, or structural damage. The reverse also shows light tarnish around the perimeter, while the underside of the recessed bowl area is unplated, exposing the nickel silver or German silver base metal beneath. This was done as these platters and trays were often used with warmers, which would discolor the silver plate quickly.

With its large 54cm oval format, Wellner maker mark, AH Formal Pattern eagle and monogram, serial or production number 147130, substantial 2.6kg weight, and well preserved silver plated finish, this is an impressive example of German WWII formal tableware. The light tarnish, scattered bowl scratching, and unplated underside are all fully disclosed. It would display especially well in an AH Formal Pattern silver, Wellner tableware, German WWII presentation or household silver, or advanced period decorative arts collection.

Silver, flatware and serving pieces that were specifically made for the residences of Adolf H were highly sought after by USGIs as bring back trophies. Many items were recovered at The Berghof and the Eagle’s Nest at Obersalzberg near Berchtesgaden. This platter is in fact one of the the rare and the most desirable of all AH's silver items. Every U.S. soldier wanted to bring home something of note. AH silver was a choice item. Unlike silver eating utensils that had many in a set, large serving pieces like this example numbered much fewer (and ere harder to transport). Many U.S. soldiers who where lucky enough to get a hold of AH's silver opted for the less cumbersome eating utensils. Many times only officers or soldiers with access to motor vehicles carried big pieces home.