I'm posting about my collection of what they used to call "Poor Man's Silver." I love it, and it's a good thing I do, because I can't afford the real thing.
They started making these pieces in the 1930s and most made their way into people's houses as wedding presents. I've gotten all of my pieces at yard sales.
Here is my three tier tray. I used it recently to put cookies on that I took to a get together.
Here are my baskets, I put candy in these.
These are my bowls. They can be used for fruit or rolls.
Here are some of my round trays. I love the one with the plate in the middle.
Here are my long trays. I use these on the table for bread when we eat breakfast and supper.
Here is another large bowl and small basket. I've used this large bowl for fruit before.These are very pretty and decorative items and can still be bought cheap at yard sales. I don't think I've ever paid more than $1 for any of mine. Many of them are hammered with pretty flowers, fruit or other designs. I can understand why they loved them, I think they are every bit as pretty as silver and you don't have to polish them. They store easy, most of the bowls and baskets can sit inside of each other and the trays stack on top of each other for storage.
That's an attractive collection. You are lucky to find them for such a low price.
ReplyDeleteI love the one with the floral center. Very pretty. I've heard of poor man's silver before - is it aluminum? I prefer the non-shiny too.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, you've got a great collection! I was expecting to see only a few pieces! I especially like the basket-shaped ones. And those long bread trays are pretty great too. I have a short tray that was my Grandma's, and it's just tucked away in a cupboard. You've inspired me to pull it out and do something with it!
ReplyDeleteHappy VTT!
Carol
Iti s great collection with low price too.
ReplyDeleteHappy VTT!
You Got A Posty
All Little Things I Like
Hey Janet!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great collection you have! I don't think I've ever seen that many at one place. I'm glad you answered my question of where you store all of them. hehehe That is one of my big problems with things right now is I don't have anywhere to put them until the kids get older and I can put things back in my pantry without fear of my 5yob pulling the shelves down on himself like he did in my closet.
I really like the 3 tier one. I think it would come in handy for lots of family get togethers.
Vintage Thingie Thursday!
Angela
I never knew what this was called, but I've seen it places and love it. You have a great collection!
ReplyDeleteLove it!
ReplyDeleteI have some of this I've collected. My Dad worked at Kaiser and any kind of aluminum just makes me think of him.
I have a little basket sitting on my counter now that I put napkins in.
I have a 3 tier tray very similar to yours. I love to put it out at Christmas with ornaments and decorations on it. You have some very pretty pieces.
ReplyDeleteWow! What a collection you have. My mother had a tray, but I've never seen so many pieces before. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great collection....it was nice to read that you really get to use all of the pieces as well.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool collection you have. I have never heard of this term before. thanks for the info!
ReplyDeleteHave a great VTT!
what a pretty collection, I especially like your 3 tier tray.
ReplyDeleteI love these pieces...I have a piece that is a tray and I never really knew what it was! Thanks for posting because now I know!
ReplyDeleteNow when I see a piece of this "poor mans silver" at a sale I will think of you.
ReplyDeleteJanet, I LOVE your collection! I almost bid on two bowls like yours on Ebay the other day! I'm thinking about collecting this myself, I love it!
ReplyDeleteWow, you do have quite a collection. I have a few pieces myself. I like the silver, too. Most of mine are in other collections, such as pitchers.
ReplyDeleteWow what a great collection! They are all so lovely, and I'm sure they look beautiful on the table.
ReplyDeleteJocelyn
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/
Those are some very nice pieces. Silver is so nice especially when it's old.
ReplyDeleteWow, Jan, you never cease to amaze me with your collections.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing collection, and if I have seen this around anywhere, I have not paid attention, this is wonderful stuff. I can not believe how many pieces you have and what great prices you have paid....I love it!
ReplyDeleteHave a great VTT! and a great weekend.
Very pretty, Janet. I used to have a few pieces but not sure what happened to them. Mom also has a few pieces that she uses when we have family dinner.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a great day.
Blessings,
Mary
I have a few pieces tooo and totally love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
You have a lovely collection. The tiered things really add a special look to a table.
ReplyDeleteKathy
what a delightful collection..i LOVE it too!!
ReplyDeleteThe one with the china plate in the center is my favorite too, so pretty.
ReplyDeleteI have a couple with lids, but yours are so ornately engraved. Beautiful! Thanks for sharing them with us. xxoo
ReplyDeleteJanet-a nice collection. I've never heard it called poor man's silver-but I'm going to call it that now.
ReplyDeleteYou have inspired me more than you know! I see items similar to yours from time to time but do not own a single one. After seeing your lovely array, I'm going to look for a few keepers for myself. Thanks so much for sharing. I hope you'll come visit again soon! Coralie
ReplyDeleteHow funny! I remember these, you could get them at yard sales for almost nothing because no one wanted them. I don't care for it myself, but your collection is really nice and you have some nice pieces. I think they're made of aluminum, correct? I had a couple trays but I'm pretty sure I gave them away, or took them to Goodwill. Maybe they ended up at your house :-) Wouldn't that be funny!
ReplyDelete