Vintage Hand-Painted Toleware Metal Serving Tray

This is a rectangular vintage toleware serving tray featuring rounded corners and a raised, slightly flared rim. The tray is constructed from pressed tin or light-gauge steel with a matte black japanned or enameled finish as the primary ground. The central composition consists of a hand-painted floral motif featuring three large yellow roses in varying stages of bloom, accented by smaller white and yellow wildflowers and green foliage. The painting style is characteristic of mid-20th-century decorative folk art, utilizing visible brushstrokes and a bright, limited color palette. The border is embellished with a stylized yellow or gold-tone scrollwork filigree running along all four sides of the lip. Regarding condition, the tray shows significant signs of age and utility; there is visible pigment loss and chipping on the right edge of the rim where the base metal is exposed. The black surface exhibits overall scuffing, surface scratches, and a dull patina from oxidation and cleaning over time. Some of the delicate white highlights in the floral center have faded or worn away. Based on the construction and decorative style, this piece likely dates to the 1940s or 1950s, a peak period for mass-produced toleware designed for the suburban American home. No specific maker's mark is visible from the top view, though such items were commonly produced by companies like Nashco or Pilgrim Art.