Today I have a set of four tin "tip trays" with a Main Street vehicle motif. These trays are only about 7 inches long, so they are not terribly useful - which explains the minimal wear after so many years (I am guessing that they are from the 50's or 60's).
You could eat a little cucumber sandwich off of one while watching TV. This red example is my favorite, by the way.
I assume that they were sold as a set. Could there be other trays with other vehicles? The horseless carriages? The Omnibus? The surrey? The motorized fire truck?
Salmon pink, oh yeah. Maybe you were supposed to buy four, and you could share three of them with various friends or relatives?
You could eat a little cucumber sandwich off of one while watching TV. This red example is my favorite, by the way.
I assume that they were sold as a set. Could there be other trays with other vehicles? The horseless carriages? The Omnibus? The surrey? The motorized fire truck?
Salmon pink, oh yeah. Maybe you were supposed to buy four, and you could share three of them with various friends or relatives?
Major, any chance that they are *actually* tip trays? They are so small, the only thing I can think is maybe they are "night trays", small trays that were kept on the bed side stand to take keys, coins etc that might scratch furniture tops.
ReplyDelete(Yes, they really worried about that stuff in the 50s)
Katella, I only call them "tip trays" because a friend calls them that! Now it's stuck in my brain. Your theory is as good as any! I figure that they were really meant to be purchased to be displayed or given as gifts.
ReplyDeleteI totally could have used one of these as a tip tray so very recently.
ReplyDeleteProgressland, what are you doing on the computer at 5:35 AM?
ReplyDeleteI knew I should have left a tip!
Oh My!
ReplyDeleteProgressland never went to bed!
ReplyDeleteTIPS? Oh rats, I knew I forgot something!
OK, I am slightly confused...are these from Disneyland??? Just wondering. They are neato keen.
ReplyDeleteConnie, the "Disneyland" branding is very subtle, only the "D" woven into the artwork at the edges, and the small letting on the vehicles.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering the same thing as Katella.....could these have been actual tip trays that were used perhaps at the Red Wagon Inn, Hills Bros. Coffee House or the Carnation Ice Cream Parlor?
ReplyDeletei want a tip tray....
ReplyDeleteTokyoMagic!, I am reasonably sure that these were just souvenirs for tourists, and not used in various restaurants at the park.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that Kevin Kidney has a photo of another tray featuring the Surrey...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/miehana/3375144628/
Now that I think of it, I have a couple round metal trays with Sleeping Beauty Castle on them. Maybe metal trays were a popular souvenir item back in the day.
ReplyDeleteHi guys,
ReplyDeleteIt's a mystery to me precisely what the intended use was for these trays. Among collectors, they're pretty much thought of as tip trays, but they were definitely merchandise. Mine still have their price tags intact. There is an Omnibus tray as well, bringing the total to 4 designs that I'm aware of. I love the colors on these. One of my trays is hot pink.
Kevin rides to the rescue before a brawl breaks out... thanks Sheriff K!
ReplyDeleteAwesome Trays. Whatever they were used for...who cares. If only I could go back in time and spend a few hundred dollars buying cool, one-of-a-kind souvenirs that are, sadly, gone for ever. At least, I saved all of my old wall maps except the one my wife ripped one angry evening...lol!!!
ReplyDeleteI have this exact set! I bought them from a neighbor's estate sale...classic early Disneyland memorabilia. I always thought it was a drink tray....maybe room for a snack alongside? I doubt it is a tip tray.
ReplyDeletejimbobrewer, I think they are called "tip trays" because they do resemble the kind that you might receive your check on at a restaurant. But I agree, they are almost certainly not real tip trays!
ReplyDelete