{"product_id":"nebraska-small-metal-tray-souvenir","title":"Nebraska Small Metal Tray Souvenir","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMID-AMERICA + THE PLAINS. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHome Decor, Decorative Tray \/ Ashtray, Souvenir, c. 1950. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese small metal trinket trays \/ ashtrays (some incorporating 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, Nebraska’s stocked with symbolic icons: bison, a conestoga wagon, Native-American references with a chief in headdress and teepee, as well as the ubiquitous stalk + ear of corn. The inset tray is packed with place-names and a few add’l key details: Nebraska having held a key crossing of the Oregon Trail headed west, as well as a chef holding what might be a locally famous runza—a seasoned meat and cabbage or sauerkraut dough pocket sandwich brought to regional fame by eastern European immigrants. 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 just a slight amount of wear on the inset edges, a common condition of these trays, most 70+ years old at this point. This dims the original silver plating on the front slightly, but not terribly. The spot color and array of details still places this tray near the top of our inventory for condition ranking.] \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: Used Very Good. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLocal \/ Regional Areas. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: 5” wide x 3.25” high x 0.25” deep \/ 4 oz\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Regionals","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50172532523265,"sku":"M1SWHAW00286","price":18.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0723\/3264\/0513\/files\/Nebraska-Small-Metal-Tray-Souvenir-01-3080.jpg?v=1786399324","url":"https:\/\/theregionals.store\/products\/nebraska-small-metal-tray-souvenir","provider":"The Regionals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}