Etched Depression Era Center Handle Tidbit Tray Appraisal

Etched Depression Era Center-Handle Tidbit Tray

This is a vintage center-handle serving tray, commonly referred to as a tidbit tray, crafted from clear pressed and etched glass. The piece is circular with a shallow, bowl-like depth, featuring a central glass handle shaped into a stylized four-petal flower or spade-like finial. The tray's base is decorated with a pressed sunburst or star pattern radiating from the center, while the outer rim is adorned with an intricate, frosted acid-etched floral and damask-style scroll pattern. Based on the construction and decorative style, this piece likely dates from the Depression Era (1920s-1940s) and is characteristic of manufacturers like Fostoria, Cambridge, or Heisey. The glass appears to have a medium weight with visible thickness at the handle attachment point. Notable condition issues include significant surface grime, dirt, and organic debris, suggesting long-term storage in an outdoor or unprotected environment. There is a visible yellowish residue or tarnishing at the joint where the handle meets the plate, which may indicate aged adhesive or mineral buildup. No major chips or cracks are immediately apparent, but the glass surface likely has minor scuffing and scratches consistent with its age and current storage conditions. The craftsmanship is typical of high-quality early 20th-century American glassware, showing sharp detail in both the pressed base and the delicate etching.