Identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
A classic mid-century rectangular phenolic resin trinket tray featuring a hand-inlaid songbird perched on a branch. Produced by the legendary California company Couroc, the piece retains its original gold foil label detailing its indestructible satin black material.
Story
Couroc of Monterey was founded in 1948 in Monterey, California, by Guthrie Courvoisier and his wife Moira Wallace. They developed a proprietary phenolic resin that was famously impervious to alcohol and boiling water, into which artisans hand-inlaid materials like brass, wood, shells, and coins. Production continued into the 1990s, but the peak era for these designs was the 1960s and 1970s. Couroc of Monterey trays are quintessential mid-century modern collectibles, known for their durability and distinctive hand-inlaid designs.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
For Couroc trays, the primary value detractors are dulling of the satin black resin, deep scratches, or missing/lifting inlay pieces. The presence of the original gold foil label on the back is a slight plus for collectors. Assuming standard vintage condition with minor surface wear, the item will sit comfortably in the mid-range.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Couroc of Monterey trays are quintessential mid-century modern collectibles, known for their durability and distinctive hand-inlaid designs. The secondary market is heavily populated with common motifs (like birds, owls, and cats), which trade frequently and reliably in the $15-$30 range. Rare or crossover motifs (like specific regional landmarks, corporate logos, or intricate coin inlays) can push prices higher, but standard wildlife pieces are treated as accessible, decorative vintage wares.
▲ Identified maker (Couroc of Monterey) with strong mid-century modern appeal.
▲ Classic wildlife/bird motif, which is highly recognizable and popular among casual vintage buyers.
▲ Durable phenolic resin construction typically survives well, maintaining display value.
▼ High market saturation for common Couroc bird motifs caps the upper value limit.
▼ Unverified surface condition — deep scratches or dulling of the black resin would drop the value to the low end of the range.
▼ Unverified verso — a missing original gold foil label slightly reduces collector appeal.
Best Venue
List on a broad secondary marketplace like eBay or Etsy, where mid-century decor buyers actively search for Couroc pieces. Price competitively around $25 for a steady sale, or consider bundling with other Couroc trays to save on shipping and increase the overall lot value. Ensure clear photos of the inlay and the back (especially if the label is intact) are included in the listing.
Upside Potential
If the tray is in pristine, unused condition with a flawless original label, or if it can be bundled with matching glassware or larger trays in the same pattern, the combined set value would exceed this individual estimate.
Also found — market-range context
Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.