{"product_id":"antique-dovetailed-wood-tray-dated-1871","title":"Antique Dovetailed Wood Cutlery or Tool Tray, Dated 1871 with Heart Handle","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"783\" data-end=\"843\"\u003eAntique Dovetailed Wood Cutlery or Tool Tray, Dated 1871\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin: 22px 0 20px 0; padding: 10px 14px 8px 14px; border-left: 3px solid #334FB4; background-color: #f8faff;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #334fb4; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.2px; margin: 0 0 6px 0;\"\u003eCollector’s Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0;\"\u003eWorking household trays like this were everyday tools rarely preserved. The combination of \u003cstrong data-start=\"2126\" data-end=\"2211\"\u003epre-1900 construction\u003c\/strong\u003e, hand joinery, and an original signed and dated inscription places this piece firmly in the category of true American folk and farmhouse antiques rather than later decorative reproductions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"845\" data-end=\"1164\"\u003eThis authentic late 19th-century wooden carrier tray features traditional \u003cstrong data-start=\"907\" data-end=\"987\"\u003edovetail joinery, \u003c\/strong\u003epegged construction, and a heart-shaped handle, hallmarks of early American farmhouse craftsmanship. Larger than a typical flatware tray, it likely served as a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1101\" data-end=\"1163\"\u003ecutlery carrier \u003c\/strong\u003eor general household or \u003cstrong\u003eworkshop tool tray.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1166\" data-end=\"1501\"\u003eMost notably, the base is \u003cstrong data-start=\"1192\" data-end=\"1273\"\u003ehand-inscribed \u003c\/strong\u003ewith the owner’s name (Yaeger) and clearly\u003cstrong data-start=\"1192\" data-end=\"1273\"\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003edated\u003cstrong data-start=\"1192\" data-end=\"1273\"\u003e July 15, 1871\u003c\/strong\u003e, offering rare and personal provenance. Surviving utilitarian pieces with legible names and dates are increasingly scarce, making this an especially appealing example for collectors of primitive and early American antiques.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1503\" data-end=\"1810\"\u003eMeasuring approximately \u003cstrong data-start=\"1527\" data-end=\"1564\"\u003e16 inches long by 10¼ inches wide\u003c\/strong\u003e, the tray is crafted from solid wood with exposed dovetailed corners and a handle secured by wooden pegs. The surface shows a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1691\" data-end=\"1751\"\u003edeep, timeworn patina developed over more than 150 years\u003c\/strong\u003e, giving the piece unmistakable character and authenticity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1812\" data-end=\"2009\"\u003eCondition reflects honest age and use, including minor chips and a split along one section of the base. These imperfections do not affect stability and contribute to its genuine farmhouse presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1812\" data-end=\"2009\"\u003eBrowse our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/thetownhouseantiques.com\/collections\/kitchenware-decor\" title=\"Kitchenware \u0026amp; Decor | Vintage Cookware, Kitchen Tools, Storage \u0026amp; Display\"\u003eKitchenware \u0026amp; Décor\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ecollection for more tools, storage pieces, and decorative accents that make a kitchen both welcoming and functional.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e","brand":"Handcrafted","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":22991786410042,"sku":null,"price":135.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0114\/3262\/4186\/products\/Cultery_Tray_3.jpg?v=1770779979","url":"https:\/\/thetownhouseantiques.com\/products\/antique-dovetailed-wood-tray-dated-1871","provider":"The Townhouse Antiques \u0026 Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}