Walk into any high-end estate sale or a dusty Midwestern flea market and you’ll eventually see it. That dull, silver-grey shimmer. It’s not sterling silver. It’s definitely not pewter. It’s antique aluminum serving trays, and for a few decades in the mid-20th century, they were basically the "it" item for every American bride.
They’re weirdly light. You pick one up expecting the heft of steel and your hand almost flies to the ceiling because it’s surprisingly airy. People call it the "poor man’s silver," but honestly, that's a bit of an insult to the craftsmanship involved. During the Great Depression, when nobody could afford real silver, companies like Wendell August Forge and Rodney Kent started making these incredibly ornate, hand-hammered pieces that looked like a million bucks but cost a fraction of that.
What Actually Makes Antique Aluminum Special?
It’s all about the "hammered" look. Most of these pieces weren't just popped out of a machine mold without a second thought. Artisans used heavy hammers to create textures that hide scratches and give the metal a depth that flat, polished surfaces just don't have. If you look closely at a genuine piece from the 1930s or 40s, you can see the individual strikes.
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The metal itself has a fascinating history. Before the late 1800s, aluminum was actually more valuable than gold. Napoleon III famously served his most honored guests on aluminum plates while the "lesser" royalty had to settle for gold. By the time the 1930s rolled around, industrial processes made it cheap enough for the masses, but it still held that aura of modern, space-age luxury.
You’ve probably seen the ones with the floral motifs—chrysanthemums, tulips, and dogwoods are everywhere. But the real prizes are the ones that lean into the Art Deco or Mid-Century Modern vibes.
Identifying the Big Names: Arthur Armour and Beyond
If you’re hunting for antique aluminum serving trays, you need to know who was who. It’s not just a sea of generic metal.
Arthur Armour is basically the G.O.A.T. of this world. He was an architect by trade, and it shows. His designs aren’t just "pretty flowers." They’re structural. They have these bold, geometric patterns and often feature heavy, chunky handles that feel modern even today. His workshop in Grove City, Pennsylvania, produced pieces that are significantly heavier and more "substantial" than the cheap knockoffs you’ll find in a Goodwill bin. Collectors look for his stamped signature on the back; if you find a tray with a stylized "A" and a depiction of a man hammering at an anvil, you've hit the jackpot.
Then there’s Wendell August Forge. These guys are still around, which is wild. They started in 1923 and really pioneered the hand-forged aluminum movement. Their work often features very detailed, representational scenes—think hunters in the woods, historic buildings, or specific species of birds. It’s very traditional.
On the flip side, you have Rodney Kent. If you like shiny, Rodney Kent is your guy. His pieces are usually "Silverloy," which was a proprietary alloy that stayed bright and resisted the typical dulling or "pitting" that happens to pure aluminum. You can spot a Rodney Kent tray from across the room because of the signature ribbon-and-flower handle. It’s a bit more "grandma’s Sunday dinner" than Arthur Armour’s "Manhattan penthouse," but the quality is undeniable.
Why the Value is Ticking Up Right Now
For a long time, these trays were considered junk. You could buy them for five dollars at a yard sale. But things are changing.
The "Grandmillennial" design trend—where younger people are embracing 1940s and 50s aesthetics—has put a spotlight back on these pieces. They’re indestructible. You can drop an aluminum tray and it won't shatter like a ceramic platter. You can heap it with heavy appetizers and it won't bend. They are the ultimate utilitarian art.
Also, people are getting tired of "fast homeware." You know, the stuff that looks good for six months and then falls apart? Antique aluminum serving trays have already survived eighty years of cocktail parties and Thanksgiving dinners. They aren't going anywhere.
A Quick Reality Check on Condition
Not every old tray is a treasure. Pitting is the enemy. It looks like tiny little dark craters or white crusty spots on the surface. It happens when the metal is exposed to salt or moisture for too long. If a tray is heavily pitted, it’s basically just a glorified oil drip pan for your garage.
You also want to look at the edges. Since aluminum is soft, the edges of large trays often get "banged up" or warped. A perfectly flat tray is worth twice as much as one that wobbles when you put it on a table.
How to Clean These Without Ruining Them
This is where most people mess up. Never, ever, ever put an antique aluminum tray in the dishwasher. The high heat and harsh detergents will turn that beautiful silvery finish into a dull, chalky grey mess that is almost impossible to reverse.
Stick to the basics.
- Warm water.
- A tiny drop of mild dish soap.
- A soft cloth.
If it’s really dirty or has that black oxidation, you can use a paste made of cream of tartar and water. It’s a mild acid that eats the oxidation without scratching the metal. Some people swear by silver polish, but be careful—some polishes are too abrasive.
Honestly? A little patina is good. It shows age. It shows the tray has actually lived a life.
The Marketplace: Where to Buy and What to Pay
Prices are all over the map. A standard, mass-produced floral tray from the 1950s (brands like Continental or Everlast) should cost you maybe $15 to $30. They’re great for daily use.
But if you’re looking at an early 1930s Arthur Armour tray with a rare pattern like a Viking ship or a zodiac sign? You’re looking at $150 to $300. The market for the "elite" makers is very stable.
Check eBay and Etsy, obviously, but the real deals are at in-person auctions. Most people at those auctions are looking for gold, silver, or mid-century furniture. They often overlook the box lot of "old metal" in the corner. That’s your opening.
Making Them Work in a Modern Home
You don't have to live in a museum to own these. They look incredible against dark wood or as a backdrop on a bar cart. Use them to group your whiskey bottles or to hold your mail in the entryway.
The larger ones—the big 20-inch "butler" trays—make great permanent fixtures on an ottoman. It turns a soft surface into a hard one where you can actually set a drink.
Actionable Steps for the Aspiring Collector
If you're ready to start a collection or just want one killer piece for your home, here is the move:
- Search for "Hand Hammered" Specifically: When browsing online, don't just search for "aluminum tray." Use terms like "Hand Wrought," "Forged," or specific brand names like "Buenilum" (which was founded by Frederick Buehner and has a distinctively smooth, modern finish).
- Do the "Wobble Test": If buying in person, place the tray on a flat surface. Press the corners. If it rocks, the metal is warped. You can sometimes bend it back, but it's risky.
- Check the Handles: Look for rivets. High-quality trays have handles that are securely riveted, not just glued or cheaply soldered.
- Learn the Hallmarks: Spend an hour on a site like the Aluminum Collectors Society to see pictures of real marks. It helps you spot a fake or a low-quality reproduction instantly.
- Start with One Utility Piece: Buy a medium-sized tray (about 12-14 inches) and actually use it. You’ll quickly realize how much better it feels than modern plastic or cheap tin alternatives.
Antique aluminum serving trays represent a specific moment in American history where we refused to let a lack of money stop us from having beautiful things. They’re tough, they’re stylish, and they’re finally getting the respect they deserve from the design world.