Victorian Mahogany Butler’s Trolley. Three shelves with molded edges, single long drawer with round wood pulls, on casters, accented with finials to the top corners. Circa 1870.
height: 51.5 in. 131 cm.,
width: 42 in. 107 cm.,
depth: 18 in. 46 cm.
This mobile cart or serving tray would typically have been used by a butler or other household staff member to serve food or drinks to guests in a formal setting, such as a dining room or parlor. The trolley would have been wheeled into the room and the butler would use it to hold and serve the items offered to guests. The shelves would have held glasses, plates, and or serving dishes.