Michigan Small Metal Tray Souvenir (Copper Plating)

THE MIDWEST. 
Home Decor, Decorative Tray / Ashtray, Souvenir, c. 1957. 

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 souvenirs of trips taken / sights-seen and certainly given as gifts to family and friends. Many of these trays have come to us with a string loop tied to the top rim indicating they were hung about as decorations, perhaps even on Christmas trees during the season. 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, this Michigan tray dominated by what on the tray itself is billed as the “new” Mackinaw Bridge (which opened in 1957, giving us a specific date range for this tray’s release). What some may see as a flaw in the way state maps were so irregular stuffed into the small tray inset, we find charming, even whimsical, this tray being no exception. Accuracy was not a concern. It was all about jamming in as many fun details as possible. The inner tray details go heavy on the state’s Great Lake location and notable outdoor recreation opportunities: boating, sailing, swimming, water-skiing, hunting, fishing, and even ice-fishing. Of course, there is a tip to the state’s then robust automobile industry: a factory near Flint, a sleek roadster near Detroit. The copper plating is also a sharp contrast to the usual silver plating of these trays, making this a rare find. 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. [CONDITION: Used Very Good. There is only the slightest wear in the curved corners on the inset of this tray, a standard age-related issue, most of these trays 70+ years old. There is also a slight touch of oxidation about a quarter-inch square. But the fragile rim is intact, no breaks or snaps, the rare copper plating still vibrant.] 

Condition: Used Very Good. 
Local / Regional Areas. 
Dimensions: 4” wide x 4.25” high x 0.25” deep / 4 oz