An exceptional circa 1897 commemorative tray, crafted to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897, celebrating sixty years of her reign at the height of the British Empire. The tray features a crowned cipher “Victoria R.I.” (Regina Imperatrix), indicating her her dual role as Queen and Empress of India, surrounded by the national emblems of the United Kingdom; the English rose, Scottish thistle, and Irish shamrock. The surface shows confident repoussé work, with the reverse revealing the depth and skill of the hand-chased decoration, a reminder that even commemorative pieces of this type were often produced with a high degree of craftsmanship. The tray is in excellent condition for its age, no big dents or damage, just a few small bumps and surface marks. it has been gently polished to bring out the shine but still preserve some of the beautiful antique patina. Measures approximately 12" across