The silver of the tray has been chased and embossed. The decorations on the centre of the tray reveal Napoleon returning from exile on the island of Elba (20 March 1815), before the Battle of Waterloo at which he was once again defeated and sent to exile on the island St Helena. Napoleon is shown in the centre of the piece, wearing military dress and holding a flag, with soldiers around him. The edges of the tray feature further military motifs, including swords, standards and armour.