THE SOUTH. Home Decor / Kitchen Decor, Decorative Tray, Souvenir, c. 1950s.
A black metal serving / bar tray with decorative gold trim frames a map of Alabama, central to the theme. As part of the design, these trays also included miniature illustrations, Alabama’s unique in that it mostly showcases the state’s outdoor recreation opportunities, less a string of landmarks (as is more common to these trays). The detailed place name map is accompanied by a colored decorative element, in this case the beautiful flower of the camellia. In near mint condition, this and the lot of trays it was a part of were likely purchased in the late 1950s to be sold as souvenirs. But given the “Like New” condition, our guess is that for whatever reason they never were. Aside from the remnants of a mounting sticker on its bright gold back, this tray is as fine an example of the series as we have seen … The combination of detailed state map and regional decoration was the pattern for this popular home decor / barware souvenir. Produced for tourist shop shelves, the series covered all 50 states (if often combining a few of the smaller ones) and came in black, white, and even the occasional cool green. The many series of these trays, with some also including low-depth snack bowls, is identifiable for the wave-like swirl detail decorating the rim. The original hand-painted series was produced in the 1950s by Nash Co. of New York, with the most notable line sporting a sharp speckled gold finish (this tray being a great example). However, there were other manufacturers such as Meldrums Manufacturing of St. Paul, Minnesota. All stuck close to the same design. These trays and bowls were found in popular roadside restaurant gift shops from the late 1950s into the 1970s, places such as Stuckey's (southern U.S., Midwest / Plains states), Howard Johnsons (starting in the Northeast, but having spread coast to coast by the 1960s), as well as in stand-alone souvenir shops, small local general stores, and even popular department stores all across America.
Condition: Used Very Good. Local / Regional Areas. Dimensions: 11" diameter x 0.5" deep / 8 oz
