Sold For:  or Sign In to see what it's worth.

Welcome! Very Rare, Antique "UNION BREWING CO", of Anaheim, CA. 12 1/4" Diameter Metal Beer Tray. The tray is Circa 1904+-?

Note: 4-22-11 : I had no idea of how rare the tray is, so far I've had sixteen offers (five of which are much higher than the starting bid) - but they wanted me to stop the auction and sell it now. I declined all of them and told them to bid! I only relate this because I WON'T SELL THE TRAY EXCEPT TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER - so please stop making offers!!!!!

Condition: The tray is in excellent condition considering it's about 100 years old (see note below). I've taken many close-up photos showing the rust on the back, the edge chipping, the wear-thru areas and a white blotch on the center of the eagle. There is also a small area on the edge that is slightly dented in (it's hard to see it's so slight). The rust on the back is on the surface only! Naturally the colors are faded from age.

Note: I couldn't find much on my computer about the Union Brewing Co., except that Anton Hessel of Los Angeles purchased it in 1904 from The Anaheim Brewing Co. (circa 1910) and named it The "Union Brewing Company".

Description: The graphics are great - Eagle, address and telephone numbers! The tray is 12 1/4" in diameter and 5/16" deep.

In case you can't read them, the black banner at the top of the tray (which is outlined in gold) reads: Los Angeles Branch, 1423 South Alameda St. (these letters are about 1/4" tall) and the banner at the bottom of the tray reads: Telephones, Sunset SOUTH 4848-HOME 24952. Just above the bottom banner (on the 1/8" white circular stripe there are very tiny letters which say: THE H.D. BEACH CO., COSHOCTON, O (I can't read the second number/letter)?

The colors used on the tray are as follows: Starting at the outside edge there is a 1/8" gold border followed by about a 1 1/4" gray area (this has gold scrolling that is outlined in white. Then comes a 1/8" gold line followed by a 1/8" white line, followed by a 1/16" black line. Next there is a 1 7/8" red area that terminates at another 1/8" black line (this area has 7/8" gold (ghosted in black) letters that say Union Brewing Co). The center area is gold with a gray and white Eagle with outspread wings sitting on leaves and wheat stalks with a ribbon below.

Comment, History: I found this tray at a estate auction in Eau Claire, Wisconsin (about 90 miles East of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota). Nearly everything there was antique and it poor condition. The owner of the home was a single lady who had just died at the age of 104.

Please pay via PayPal when you receive eBay's "Confirmation of Purchase" invoice ( which you will receive immediately after you've purchased an item.) I pack very securely and I'VE NEVER HAD AN ITEM DAMAGED OR RETURNED. I don't charge for packing or handling!

I have a 7-day return policy, BUT THIS ONLY APPLIES IF THE ITEM ISN'T AS REPRESENTED! I won't accept returns just because you decide that you don't like or want the item! Look the photos over carefully!!

If you have a question, contact me via eBay's "Ask a Question" which is located AT THE BOTTOM OF EACH LISTING (on the left). All correspondence should be via eBay!

Items in the Worthopedia are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members’ research needs.

Flag item for content or copyright.