Soda Fountain Tray Appraisal

Vintage Coca-Cola Waiter Serving Tray

This item is a vintage rectangular serving tray featuring a distinctive 'waist' or 'hourglass' shape, commonly associated with Coca-Cola advertising memorabilia. The tray is primarily constructed from metal, likely tin or steel, given the common manufacturing practices for such items during the mid-20th century. Its color palette is iconic, with a bold red border that tapers inwards towards the center, framing a vibrant green background. The central image depicts a smartly dressed male waiter, wearing a white uniform and a chef's hat, holding a Coca-Cola bottle. The 'Coca-Cola' logo is prominently displayed in white script both above the waiter's head and below his arm, against the red and green sections respectively. The surface appears to be lithographed, a common technique for applying detailed images to tinware. Visible condition issues include some scuffs, scratches, and areas of paint loss, particularly along the edges and corners, consistent with age and use. There might also be some minor dents or warping in the metal, though these are not clearly discernible from the provided image beyond general wear. The overall aesthetic suggests a mid-century American advertising piece, likely from the 1940s or 1950s, a period when such trays were popular promotional items. The craftsmanship appears to be typical for mass-produced advertising tinware of that era, valuing bright graphics and durability.