Historical Society of Early American Decoration
Tole Tray

by Pat Oxenford


This article shows text and color pictures to accompany the pattern from member Pat Oxenford’s just completed Heritage Crafts Today, Tole Painting, Stackpole Publishers, PA., appearing in the Fall 2008 Newsletter.  Pictures were provided by the author.   See the Newsletter for more descriptive details. 

Red toleware octagonal tray, rolled wire edge, red, green, blue and yellow foliate design on white ground with red center reserve and gold double line detail on edge, 8 1/2 " t, 12 1/4" w'. prov.: Fred Koch, Condition: minor flaking.  Estimate $2,500- 3,500. Actual sale price $1,600. 

The design presented is an adaptation of the original tray. Please note that the end designs were not identical as well as the sides were not identical, but very similar. The original design was done in oils, most likely from the Filley Shop in Philadelphia in the mid 1850's. I have adapted the design and painted it in acrylics (JoSonja's Artist Colors).

 Pat Oxenford


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