South Dakota Small Metal Tray Souvenir

MID-AMERICA + THE PLAINS. 
Home Decor, Decorative Tray / Ashtray, Souvenir, c. 1950. 

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, South Dakota’s showcasing the state’s flora and fauna, an Indian in profile, and the accurate placement of Mount Rushmore in its lower-left (i.e. southwestern) corner. The main tray splits its set of illustrative embeds between wildlife and tourist draws: an 8-point buck, buffalo, and pheasant, the famed Corn Palace and western Badlands. Along with many place names (not necessarily pinpoint accurate in their placement, understandable given the small space), there are many historical references too: a conestoga wagon representing westward expansion and dinosaur fossil beds. 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. This tray is in fine condition considering its “advanced” age. The metal plating shows only the slightest wear, there is no visible damage to the fragile rim, while the hand-painted details, mostly touting a deep rose and green coloring, still shine.] 

Condition: Used Very Good. 
Local / Regional Areas. 
Dimensions: 5” wide x 3.25” high x 0.25” deep / 4 oz