Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A classic hand-inlaid phenolic resin serving tray featuring a stylized partridge in a pear tree, a signature Mid-Century Modern design. These trays are famous for their unique material composition, which is resistant to alcohol, boiling water, and cigarette burns.
Story
Founded in 1948 by Guthrie Courvoisier, this Monterey workshop turned industrial resin into high art. Each tray was hand-assembled by local artisans using natural materials like wood, shells, and metals fused directly into the black or cream surface.
Maker / Origin
Guthrie Courvoisier was a visionary who previously ran a famous Disney animation art gallery; he applied that same sense of whimsy and character to household objects. His wife, Moira Wallace, was a celebrated California artist who designed many of the iconic motifs that made Couroc a staple of sophisticated 1950s and 60s cocktail culture.
Condition & Value
The tray shows some visible scuffing and wear along the gold-toned rim and some light surface staining on the cream background. These signs of use are common for vintage serving pieces but do keep it from the top-tier 'mint' valuation.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.