Indian Brass Tray Value Guide

Vintage Eales 1779 Silverplate Small Oval Bowl Serving Dish ...
Indian Brass Tray
Estimated Value
$15 – $20
Period
1960-1980
Origin
India
Materials
Brass
Category
Brass tray

These vintage brass trays represent the mid-20th-century export boom from Indian metalworking hubs like Moradabad, known as Pital Nagri. They are highly collectible for their intricate hand-etched patterns and their role in bringing South Asian craftsmanship to Western mid-century modern homes.

What Is Indian Brass Tray Worth?

The typical price range for Indian Brass Tray is $15 - $20 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • Condition of the brass surface, specifically the presence of heavy oxidation or deep scratches.
  • The complexity and coverage of the hand-etched decorative motifs.
  • Size of the tray, as larger serving platters generally command the higher end of the $15-$20 price range.
  • Legibility of the original maker's stamp and model number on the underside.

How to Identify Indian Brass Tray?

  • Look for a distinctive dot-matrix style 'INDIA' maker's stamp on the reverse side.
  • Identify specific model numbers stamped near the origin mark, indicating mass-produced export designs.
  • Examine the surface for authentic hand-etched floral or geometric patterns characteristic of 1960s-1980s craftsmanship.
  • Check for a heavy, solid brass construction rather than lightweight plated alternatives.

History of Indian Brass Tray

During the mid-20th century, brassware became a major export from India to Western markets, particularly the UK and USA. Cities like Moradabad, known as Pital Nagri, produced vast quantities of these hand-etched and stamped items. The dot-matrix style 'INDIA' stamp seen here is characteristic of mass-produced decorative brassware intended for international retail during the mid-to-late 20th century.

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