Arkansas Small Metal Tray / Ashtray Souvenir

THE SOUTH. 
Home Decor, Decorative Tray / Ashtray, Souvenir, c. 1950s. 

These small metal trinket trays / ashtrays (which incorporated tell-tale cigarette rest notches) were very popular for a run of years following World War II. Sold in souvenir shops across America and Canada when smoking was still very much a mainstream habit, these trays, each with a specific regional connection, were bought as memorabilia of trips taken / sights-seen and certainly given as gifts to family and friends. The trays were mass-produced by way of intricate custom molds, be it a state or a site, with the finished piece lightly hand-painted to pull out details unique to each tray. The rim would contain the title and notable details, Arkansas’s showing off a wide range of highlights: cotton farming, alligators, an old-school smokestack style steamboat, plus an oil derrick (the state having been an active oil producer across the first half of the twentieth century). Miniature embossed illustrations highlight the caverns in the northwest part of Arkansas, several tips to the state’s agriculture and outdoor recreation, the state capital in Little Rock, and what was a common addition to these small trays: an Indian chief in full headdress. As with all the small trays in this souvenir series, it bears the mark: “Made in Japan.” This will seem curious considering the violent events of the early-mid 20th century. Here is a bit more background … Following Japan’s surrender in September 1945 ending World War II, Japan was a military occupied country. This continued until the San Francisco Peace Treaty of 1952 returned national sovereignty to the island nation. Once international trade was allowed to resume in 1947, the General Headquarters of the Allied Forces (GHQ a mostly American military government charged with running the conquered nation) mandated that export items carry the label: “Made in Occupied Japan.” The directive was updated in 1949 for use minus the word “Occupied.” As a result these two labels “Made in Occupied Japan” and “Made in Japan” (often just “Japan”) can be dated with specificity to the 15-20 years following the Second World War. They have become markers for valuable vintage memorabilia. [Used Good: There is no visible damage, but the tray’s silver plating has dulled over time. We can only hope it was from being well used for its intended purpose as a trinket tray. The back shows the telltale signs of residue from what is likely hanging devices, hinting that it may have even been displayed outside; another possible explanation from the tray’s dulled state.] 

Condition: Used Good. 
Local / Regional Areas. 
Dimensions: 3.75” wide x 4.75” high x 0.25” deep / 4 oz