A George III butler’s tray on stand. Made from Cuban mahogany, the tray has fold down sides and stands on the a period stand that one can only assume to be original as both tray and stand are of the same quality and both a very good colour. Butler’s trays were originally used as the name suggests by the butler of the house to bring drinks, tea or cakes to the drawing room. The folding stand would be set in place by the maid and the tray placed upon it and then used to serve from. Today they are ideal to act as tall side tables in a dining or drawing room and often work well across a corner in a room breaking the right angle. This tray with its size, quality, elegant stand and good colour is a particularly decent example. The height given is to the flat serving surface.