Manhattan Cocktail Shaker Tray, Deco Chrome, Bel Geddes Revere, Machine Age, 30s

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The Iconic Manhattan Cocktail Shaker Tray A Chrome Art Deco Masterpiece Designed by Norman Bel Geddesfor Revere Copper and Brass, 1935 Streamlined, Machine Age and Modern! Dimensions: H=1, W=11.5, L=14.5 inches The tray's dimensions authenticate this as an original Manhattan Serving Tray, not one of the variations that came later with different measurements. Please note that this tray is also marked, "Revere, Rome, NY" Please use the enlargement feature of the eBay photo gallery to see close-ups of these photos for condition details. This tray, design by legendary 20th century industrial designer Norman Bel Geddes, was first introduced by Revere Copper and Brass in 1935 and became part of an iconic cocktail set that has become, according to Stephen Visakay in his book, Vintage Barware , "one of the most sought-after sets for deco and shaker collectors." Elements of the Manhattan Cocktail Ensemble are held in museum collections around the world, including the Art Institute of Chicago and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Here is a description from the Art Institute of Chicago: "An overt allusion to New York City’s skyline, the “Manhattan” cocktail set represents the 1930s fascination with urbanity and modernity. The tall, cylindrical cocktail shaker and stemmed cups that echo the shape and design of the shaker cap were sold with Norman Bel Geddes’s stepped serving tray to create a plazalike platform on which the cocktail service could be arranged like architectural elements. Although conceived as part of a set, the tray was retailed by Revere Copper and Brass, a company established by the Boston silversmith Paul Revere, a year before the shaker and goblets were released in 1936." Here is more info from the publication, "Notable Acquisitions at The Art Institute of Chicago (2006)", pp. 22-23+94: "As skyscrapers began to dominate the landscape, they became potent symbols of modern America. Designers, capitalizing on public enthusiasm for the form, incorporated skyscraper imagery into ordinary household objects such as Norman Bel Geddes's "Manhattan Cocktail Ensemble", created for the Revere Copper and Brass Company. . . . He composed the various elements of the set to evoke a miniaturized cityscape. . . . The stepped sides of the tray recall the architectural setbacks of Manhattan's skyscrapers. . . . The Manhattan tray was among 17 of his items that debuted in the firm's 1935 catalogue, which featured an introduction proclaiming that he 'caught skillfully the tempo of our times' and that each of the pieces reflected 'a happy and popular balance between progressiveness and traditional beauty.' It is not until 1936 that the company marketed the skyscraper-inspired cocktail service to complement the tray. . . ." The tray offered here is in excellent vintage condition. The still-shiny chromed steps show only the slightest oxidation, which can only be seen with a magnifier, and have no pitting. There is a very small area of discoloration on one of the edges -- this can be seen about 2 inches down from the upper left corner in the main photo. There is some discoloration on two of the corner tips. The tips seems to be lifted a bit -- I am not sure if this is original to the manufacture or not. One of the corner tips shows a very slight ding or bend -- see close-up photo. The satin interior well of the tray shows the expected wear from light use: some scratches and areas of discoloration. There are also small pin-sized dots in the well showing wear of the chrome to the underlying metal. The satin-finish base of the tray shows some scratching, oxidation, discoloration and finish-thinning. The long sides of the tray in these photos look somehow warped, but that is an illusion of the photo angle -- the tray sides are straight and not warped. All in all, an amazing art deco tray that would enhance any cocktail or art deco collection. Terms of Sale Payment due within 2 days, please. My goal is 100% customer satisfaction. Please reach out to me if you ar... read more

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