Utah Small Metal Tray Souvenir

MOUNTAIN WEST. 
Home Decor, Decorative Tray / Ashtray, Souvenir, c. 1950. 

These small metal trinket trays / ashtrays (trays that 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, Utah’s of course highlighting the Mormon migration west via conestoga wagon (the actual migration) and Mormon Temple (the established church). But Utah is also notable for its incredible collection of natural and historic wonders, this tray’s inset map including: the fossils of Dinosaur, Arches, Capitol Reef, Natural Bridge, the Puebloean Hovenweep, Bryce Canyon, and Zion, along with a large list of Utah place-names. Though the small trays in this souvenir series bear the mark: “Made in Japan,” this is the rare one does not. Nonetheless, it is still clearly a part of this souvenir series, if missing the manufacturer’s mark. That mark itself 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. The age-related issue we so often see with these wonderful historic souvenirs is tarnishing or wear of the plating. This tray shows only a slight bit of wear around the lower inset edge and along its rim. But the inner tray’s plating still shines in white gold, hand-painted details still fun and vibrant. The rim, another area of concern, is fully intact: no bent edges or breaks.] 

Condition: Used Very Good. 
Local / Regional Areas. 
Dimensions: 3.5” wide x 4.5” high x 0.25” deep / 4 oz