Is it a Find!?

Dear Dan, I have this beer tray that was found at a yard sale in upstate New York while traveling to see my daughter who attended Cornell University at the time. I had pulled off the highway to get gas and saw a sign for a yard sale. It was at an old farmhouse and I decided to get out and stretch my legs. In the back of the barn I noticed this beer tray hanging on the wall. I thought it would be great for my small bar in my basement. I asked the owner, an elderly gentleman, if it was for sale and he stated that he would take $20 for it. I figured it would be worth it as a memento of the trip and something cool to be displayed behind my bar. I have had it now for over twenty years and have never seen another one similar. I have been an avid reader of your articles and figured I would write to you about this tray. I am curious of its age and worth. Sincerely, Mark Peters Greetings Mark, Your pre-prohibition beer tray was manufactured in the early 1900's. It was from the Haberle Brewing Company (1865-1962) in Syracuse, New York. Your tray is quite rare and was specially made for the brewery to be used in house or at a unique event in which the beer would be advertised or sampled. While most trays are fully enameled or lithographed, your tray is composed of a unique design of enamel over steel with a very ornate brass edge. Typically, beer trays were given to bars to serve beer as promotional items. Collectors generally will pay more for pre-prohibition trays and value is determined by the region of the brewery, their condition and scarcity. Common beer trays generally will realize approximately $25, while rare examples can bring in the thousands. Lucky for you, your tray is quite rare and could easily sell for over $3000 to the right collector! I would say that is a great return on your $20 investment. Being such a valuable piece it would be best to refrain from cleaning it at all. If necessary, you could use a delicate microfiber cloth to remove any dust. I appreciate the great story and the time you took to share it with us. Congratulations on such a find!