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Trays

Trays, or shallow platforms used to transport and hold objects, are made of many different materials, including gold, silver, bronze, sheet iron, wood, and molded pulp. Ranging from luxury options to disposable, one-use versions, trays serve a wide variety of purposes depending on the social context.

In Renaissance Italy, deschi da parto, or “birthing trays,” were popular gifts for expectant mothers. Following the birth of the baby, members of the household presented the mother with a tray filled with food, sweetmeats, and wine. Although birthing trays were luxury items often painted by professional artists, affordable options were available to families from different socioeconomic backgrounds. In addition to special events, such as childbirth, trays also functioned as essential elements used for everyday dining and entertaining. During the 19th and 20th centuries, butler’s trays, characterized by carrying handles and a portable stand with folding legs, were used to serve drinks and appetizers and also functioned as side tables. Manufacturers capitalized on the convenience of trays during the 1950s, when TV trays became especially popular, even ubiquitous, furniture pieces within the home.

The styles of trays available today are truly endless, with modern pieces often incorporating dividers, sculpted centerpieces, multimedia elements, and other unique and unexpected characteristics. Additionally, many trays are sold as part of a set accompanied by other furniture or ornamental pieces, enhancing the harmony of a room’s decorative scheme.


Quick Facts

  • On October 6, 2015, Bonham’s London sold a mother-of-pearl and black lacquer overlaid wood tray made in northern India during the 18th century for $1,470,000
  • On June 3, 2015, Christie’s Hong Kong sold an imperial polychrome lacquer quatrefoil tray made during Emperor Jiajin’s rule, 1522-1566, for $595,792
  • Beginning in 1897, Coca-Cola gifted serving trays illustrated with their logos to soda shops, which served the dual purpose of serving drinks and advertising the company’s products

Recommended Items at Auction

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Large English Victorian Gallery Tray
Nov 10, 6:00 PM EST
Large English Victorian Gallery Tray
by Caswell Prewitt Realty, INC
Est: $0- $0
$1209 Bids
Art Deco Nude Bronze and Onyx Desk Tray
Nov 22, 10:00 AM EST
Art Deco Nude Bronze and Onyx Desk Tray
by Premier Auction Galleries
Est: $50- $1,000
$405 Bids
Jay Strongwater Mirrored Gem-Set Enameled Tray
Nov 12, 11:00 AM EST
Jay Strongwater Mirrored Gem-Set Enameled Tray
by Auctions at Showplace
Est: $300- $500
$1503 Bids
6 VINTAGE METAL SERVING TRAYS
Nov 14, 4:00 PM CST
6 VINTAGE METAL SERVING TRAYS
by McCurley Auction Company
Est: $0- $0
$32 Bids
Antique 1930s NuGrape Soda Metal Serving Tray
Nov 10, 9:00 AM CST
Antique 1930s NuGrape Soda Metal Serving Tray
by Matthew Bullock Auctioneers
Est: $50- $300
$352 Bids
ORTHOCERAS TRAY ROCK STONE LAPIDARY SPECIMEN
Jan 21, 1:00 PM CST
ORTHOCERAS TRAY ROCK STONE LAPIDARY SPECIMEN
by Col. Christie Hatman, Auctioneer
Est: $0- $0
$1001 Bid
Large Twin handled mirrored tray, with cast metal surround approx 56cm x 41cm
Nov 17, 10:00 AM AEDT
Large Twin handled mirrored tray, with cast metal surround approx 56cm x 41cm
by Vickers & Hoad
Est: AUD100- AUD200
AUD201 Bid
Variety of Vintage Metal Snack Trays
Nov 14, 6:00 PM EST
Variety of Vintage Metal Snack Trays
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$51 Bid
Four WHITELAW & NEWTON handcrafted trays, larger 53cm x 40cm
Nov 18, 7:00 PM AEDT
Four WHITELAW & NEWTON handcrafted trays, larger 53cm x 40cm
by Lawsons
Est: AUD200- AUD400
AUD151 Bid
Art Nouveau Style Gilt Bronze Inkwell Tray
Nov 26, 11:00 AM EST
Art Nouveau Style Gilt Bronze Inkwell Tray
by Akiba Galleries
Est: $100- $1,000
$501 Bid
JOHN DUNN TOLE PAINTED "OLD SALT" TRAY
Nov 09, 11:00 AM EST
JOHN DUNN TOLE PAINTED "OLD SALT" TRAY
by Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Est: $300- $400
$501 Bid
MCM 3 Tier Laquerware Tidbit Tray 14” tall
Nov 14, 6:00 PM EST
MCM 3 Tier Laquerware Tidbit Tray 14” tall
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$51 Bid
Olbury English Arts and Crafts Brass Tray
Nov 10, 10:00 AM CST
Olbury English Arts and Crafts Brass Tray
by Leonard Auction
Est: $200- $400
$1001 Bid
ORTHOCERAS TRAY ROCK STONE LAPIDARY SPECIMEN
Jan 21, 1:00 PM CST
ORTHOCERAS TRAY ROCK STONE LAPIDARY SPECIMEN
by Col. Christie Hatman, Auctioneer
Est: $0- $0
$1000 Bids
ORTHOCERAS TRAY ROCK STONE LAPIDARY SPECIMEN
Jan 22, 1:00 PM CST
ORTHOCERAS TRAY ROCK STONE LAPIDARY SPECIMEN
by Col. Christie Hatman, Auctioneer
Est: $0- $0
$1000 Bids
ORTHOCERAS TRAY ROCK STONE LAPIDARY SPECIMEN
Jan 22, 1:00 PM CST
ORTHOCERAS TRAY ROCK STONE LAPIDARY SPECIMEN
by Col. Christie Hatman, Auctioneer
Est: $0- $0
$1000 Bids
(4) 11x14 Black Plastic Darkroom Developing Trays
Nov 09, 9:00 AM EST
(4) 11x14 Black Plastic Darkroom Developing Trays
by Dana J. Tharp Auctions
Est: $60- $80
$300 Bids
(1) Vintage 16x20 Porcelain Enamel Photo Darkroom Tray
Nov 09, 9:00 AM EST
(1) Vintage 16x20 Porcelain Enamel Photo Darkroom Tray
by Dana J. Tharp Auctions
Est: $60- $100
$300 Bids
(1) Vintage 16x20 Porcelain Enamel Photo Darkroom Tray; Repaired
Nov 09, 9:00 AM EST
(1) Vintage 16x20 Porcelain Enamel Photo Darkroom Tray; Repaired
by Dana J. Tharp Auctions
Est: $50- $75
$250 Bids
(4) 8x10 Plastic Darkroom Developing Trays
Nov 09, 9:00 AM EST
(4) 8x10 Plastic Darkroom Developing Trays
by Dana J. Tharp Auctions
Est: $30- $40
$150 Bids
Half Dozen 5 x 7 Plastic Darkroom Developing Trays
Nov 09, 9:00 AM EST
Half Dozen 5 x 7 Plastic Darkroom Developing Trays
by Dana J. Tharp Auctions
Est: $30- $40
$150 Bids
(6) 5 x 7 Plastic Darkroom Developing Trays (3) Brand New
Nov 09, 9:00 AM EST
(6) 5 x 7 Plastic Darkroom Developing Trays (3) Brand New
by Dana J. Tharp Auctions
Est: $30- $50
$150 Bids
(2) 8x10 Darkroom Developing Trays; 1 Hard Rubber & 1 Yankee Agitray
Nov 09, 9:00 AM EST
(2) 8x10 Darkroom Developing Trays; 1 Hard Rubber & 1 Yankee Agitray
by Dana J. Tharp Auctions
Est: $30- $50
$150 Bids
(2) Vintage Extra Deep (2 1/2") 8 x 10 Porcelain Enamel Darkroom Developing Trays
Nov 09, 9:00 AM EST
(2) Vintage Extra Deep (2 1/2") 8 x 10 Porcelain Enamel Darkroom Developing Trays
by Dana J. Tharp Auctions
Est: $30- $40
$150 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Trays


Dana J. Tharp Auctions

Dana J. Tharp Auctions

Weatherham Estate Treasures

Weatherham Estate Treasures

Gliubich Casa d'Aste

Gliubich Casa d'Aste

Apple Tree Auction Center

Apple Tree Auction Center