The salver was a tray generally used for serving glasses, cups and plates at the table or for the presentation of a letter or cards by a servant. 
In noble or royal families, the fear of poisoning led to the custom of having the court taster taste the food or drinks before being served to the master or his guests. This practice was known as “salva” deriving from Spanish.
“Salvar” meant to preserve from risk, from the Latin “to save”. The term “Salvar” was thus also applied to the plate or tray on which the food or drink was presented after the tasting process. There seems to be no doubt that this Spanish word is the source of the English term “Salver”.
Ceremonial Salvers trays were also used as important sporting trophies at the Wimbledon tennis championships and golf masters.
