Manufactured in Sacramento, California by “The Buffalo Brewing Co.”, this Pre-Prohibition metal lithographed exposition beer serving tray was distributed to commemorate the 1915 San Francisco Exposition and the opening of the Panama Canal which was completed in 1914.
“Through the Panama Canal to the Golden Gate, San Francisco Expositrion 1915. The Nations Paying Homage to San Francisco.” is printed on the tray, along with the name of the manufacturer in bold blue print at the top center interior fold.
The serving tray is lithographed in pretty colors, portraying the subject matter of a beautiful lady dressed in yellow with a plethora of adoring and catering women from around the world on each side of her. Muted images of ships and frigates in the San Francisco Bay appear above the women.
The tray is in very good and completely original condition with absolutely no touch up paint of any kind, and no rust to the surface, which can be quite prevalent as these trays were heavily used under conditions which would expose them to these elements.
Originality and condition are the markers for value, and one has to be careful of unnoted or blatant restoration. I guarantee my items, that I sell, to be as I have stated. I have examined under black light and magnifying loop, and after 40 years of dealing in vintage advertising, lithography, toys, and hand painted items, I am justly qualified to evaluate and detect defects and condition.
This would be a wonderful piece of historical Americana depicted in an advertising item. A rectangular mounting magnetic hanging bar, specially made for beer trays, is affixed to the rear of the tray for easy hanging (see image).
Dimensions: 12″ diameter x 1 1/4″ deep