The arms are those of Hamilton, for John James Hamilton, 9th Earl of Abercorn. Born in 1756, succeeded to the title in 1789, created Marquess of Abercorn in 1790 and subsequently installed Knight of the Garter. He died in 1818.

A similar silver-gilt tray of 1796 was sold by the Trustees of the Late Duke of Hamilton, Christie's, 4th November, 1919, lot 85.