West End Brewery Appraisal

The West End Brewing Co. Utica, New York Advertising Tray

This is a vintage circular advertising serving tray for The West End Brewing Co. of Utica, New York. The tray features a central image depicting a female allegorical figure, possibly Columbia or Lady Liberty, draped in an American flag-patterned gown, holding stalks of wheat in her right arm and possibly hops in her left. An American bald eagle is visible to her lower right, alongside what appears to be a barrel or keg labeled with 'THE WEST END BREWING CO UTICA A'. The background is a landscape with mountains or hills. Surrounding this central image is a bold red band with 'THE WEST END BREWING CO.' in gold lettering at the top and 'UTICA. NEW YORK.' at the bottom. An outer, lighter blue-green band extends around the perimeter, containing the words 'STOCK AND PORTER' at the bottom, suggesting the types of beverages produced by the brewery. The tray itself appears to be made of tin or another thin metal, consistent with typical antique advertising trays. Its color palette is rich, with a gold rim, vibrant red and blue hues in the central design. The overall condition shows signs of age and wear, including some scratching and loss of paint, particularly around the edges and on raised surfaces, indicative of its age and use. There is also some visible oxidation or discoloration on the gold-toned rim. The overall aesthetic suggests a late 19th or early 20th-century period, a common era for such elaborate brewing advertisements. The craftsmanship involves lithographic printing on metal, a standard practice for creating durable and attractive promotional items.