Reichskanzlei Platters , tea pot, creamer, sugar bowl

[ErichS]

The warming trays are probably serial numbered because they're copper bottomed and therefore more valuable. i.e. people could steal them and melt them down.

Whereas the regular drinks trays etc are just stainless steel, and not so prized.

All just supposition of course.

The whole serial number thing is fascinating [in a geeky collector way]. I always hope a catalogue/file will turn up one day listing all the serial numbers and the trays' locations [FB, Berghof, RK, etc etc].

This makes sense and a most likely reason behind the serial numbered trays.

[Thorsten B.]

I agree with the reason for the stamped serial numbers.

And I am sure that detailed Inventarlisten (what is where) in regards to official property did exist. That would have been the job of the different NS and AH related offices or simply the job of the responsible janitor.

A lot of fascinating items have come out of ex-janitor´s households!!

[Tom B]

I'll be posting pic's of my RK platter next week Tom

[johninhb]

What if the larger tray has the eagle and RK markings on the front, but no makers marks at all on the back? Wouldn't that be odd? No 'Wellner' with number, or serial number....nothing at all on the largest platters reverse side ??

The largest one, with no reverse markings at all measures 18 3/8 inches
The next largest with 'Wellner/67' and "15 65 17" measures 15 3/4 inches

[CPB]

It may have a Wellner mark on the same side as the RK eagle/swaz. Possibly opposite it.

As for no serial number, it might be because this is simply a drinks serving tray - which were not number stamped.

[ErichS]

What if the larger tray has the eagle and RK markings on the front, but no makers marks at all on the back? Wouldn't that be odd? No 'Wellner' with number, or serial number....nothing at all on the largest platters reverse side ??

The largest one, with no reverse markings at all measures 18 3/8 inches
The next largest with 'Wellner/67' and "15 65 17" measures 15 3/4 inches

Sometimes the Wellner name and number can rub off over time but if you look closely you can make them out.

[johninhb]

Ah....didn't know that...thanks! I've never had RK material before. I've recently been bit by the AH Flatware collecting bug, and I know that the AH flatware items are all clearly maker marked without a doubt. That's what gave me some concern with this group.

[ErichS]

Ah....didn't know that...thanks! I've never had RK material before. I've recently been bit by the AH Flatware collecting bug, and I know that the AH flatware items are all clearly maker marked without a doubt. That's what gave me some concern with this group.

Actually the AH and RK serving pieces are the same except for the monograms with same maker and markings.