Octagonal tin tray with straight sides projecting out at about 45 degrees; rolled edge. Center seam. On red-painted ground is a large central decoration of black and yellow fruit and foliate motifs. Tray sides have repeating pattern of loose S-scrolls in yellow. Underside of tray is black. Three inscriptions: "Elizabeth Altland 1862" in German script at one end; name repeats at opposite end in English script with differing date of "1862." At center seam is "Matilda Altland." Also, white tape with "HJK" (donor).
Probably border area between Adams and York Counties.
Decoration attributed to Altland family.
Provenance
Clarke Hess stated (Sept 2011) Altland families concentrated in border area between Adams and York Counties. Some were also gunmakers.
Tinsmith Mark Hammond examined tray on 8-29-05 and observed that early sheets of tin were 10" x 14", necessitating a seam across bottom. "Double size" sheets of 20" x 14" he thinks were available c. 1830s, although these large sheets would have been more expensive.
Touch-up paint decoration evident. Multiple drops of unknown liquid have resulted in small round paint voids on one side of tray. Strong wear on rim. Underside has many scratches and strong wear.
Object ID
G.86.6.2
Credit
Gift of Henry J. Kauffman, Heritage Center Collection
