Collecting Vintage Brass Trays

Antique brass trays are worth more when they come as part of a set, which would include a coffee or teapot, two to four cups, saucers and possibly flatware, all in the same design and pattern as the tray itself.

Identification

Look at the workmanship. Prized pieces are from collectible genres, such as the Arts & Crafts movement, 1880-1910. Examine the tray closely to see the type of design work and detail. Use a magnifying glass to examine any small markings of obscure signatures. Sometimes on old brass, there is tarnish, and a maker's signature may not be noticeable underneath the ware. Look to see if tray has a hammered surface, which looks like pockmarks within the brass. Look for maker's marks. Pieces start at ten dollars, up to two hundred and fifty. Flip the brass tray over to see if it is a modern "Made in India" piece. If antique, the brass will be heavier, and not marked "Made in India."

Considerations

Prices start as low as five dollars, and can go up to 100, depending on complete sets and size of tray. On antique Moroccan brass trays, the brass will be heavier, the inlay design intricate, and were often used as part of a coffee set, and made into table tops. They range in value from two hundred and fifty dollars and up.

Where to find bargains

There are fabulous places to find antique brass trays at a fraction of the cost. Go to community and charity second-hand shops such as the Goodwill stores, and look in the section where they have plates and dishes. Often one can find a vintage brass plate, many times from India, for they were made in abundance, but sometimes from other countries as well, such as Europe. If lucky, you will come across a collectible Arts & Crafts piece from America. The most collectible old brass trays were made before 1920. Its fun to go antiquing for vintage brass trays because they are easy to find, collectible, and serve both a functional and decorative purpose.