Overview
A classic example of American toleware, this round metal tray features hand-painted dogwood blossoms on a 'japanned' black ground.
1Identify
Preliminary identification
Hand-Painted Toleware Floral Tray, c.1950s
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Story
In the years following World War II, American homeowners developed a deep nostalgia for 'Early American' styles, leading to a massive revival of toleware—the 18th-century tradition of painting on tin.
Maker / Origin
While often unsigned, pieces like this were typically produced by companies such as Nashco of New York or Pilgrim Art, which employed studios of skilled painters.
Condition & Value
The tray shows honest signs of a life well-lived, including paint loss and 'flea bites' along the raised rim and significant scratching on the reverse. Value is based on the enduring popularity of mid-century kitchenalia and the charm of the hand-painted motif.
Research
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