A finely crafted pre-transcontinental railroad silver presentation salver, bearing the mark of V.H. Vanderslice, San Francisco. This footed oval tray features an ornate gadrooned rim and rests on four cast scroll and shell-form feet. The central inscription reads: “Presented to / Sidney M. Smith Esq. / by / Joseph Brock, ? Young, George Bronstone, William Bell, William T. Beebe, Wm Parker, David Spink, Frank Norton, John Carroll, Jacob Delphine, Peter Johnson, L. W. Olsen, George Dolin, Rudolph Armstrong, John York, J. Fagukiant, William Marlin, William Ryan / San Francisco, Nov. 11th, 1868.” The base is clearly stamped with the maker’s mark for V.H. Vanderslice & Co., along with S.F. CAL. The date of 1868 is significant as it falls just months before the completion of the transcontinental railroad in May 1869, representing a pre-railroad example of locally manufactured silver. Vanderslice, a prominent San Francisco silversmith, was known for producing some of the finest silver objects in early California and later became part of Shreve & Co. Dimensions: 14 x 10 1/4 x 1 1/4 inches high. Weight: 35.55 troy ounces Provenance: Al and Carol Cali Collection Pickup & Shipping: Free Sacramento pickup. Shipping via FedEx within the continental U.S. available for $60 plus 1.5% insurance. Combined lot shipping available. Very good overall, showing light surface scratches consistent with age and use. Presentation inscription is legible, and the tray rests level on its feet. Unpolished patina.