Kinco Trays
(c) Vin Callcut 2002-2015. Small extracts can be used with acknowledgements to 'Oldcopper.org' website.
Helpful comments are very welcome.
Kinco Trays and Tables
Above is a selection of Kinco rectangular trays all made in hard brass and etched with a variety of designs. Enamel was used for the colours so that a dry duster was all that was needed for cleaning. The largest, at the top, is approximately 605mm (2ft) wide. Enthusiastic polishing away of the original lacquers and colours has left most with just the colour of the brass and a small residue of cleaner in the etched crevices.
The two pen trays have very different patterns. The apparent narrowing in the centres is real and caused by etching the pattern first on to flat rectangles of hard brass and then stamping between dies to make the tray shapes. Normal plain production trays would have been finish-trimmed after stamping but that would spoil the pattern for these. Lengths approximately 95mm (11½”)
The largest tray is a masterpiece of intricate design. The details of this large tray are on a separate page.
A useful small serving tray with floral pattern. Maximum size 288mm (11½”).
The card tray has a very well detailed peacock centrally placed, a motif that was used on several other products. The peacock is a strong symbol of immortality in several European and Asian cultures. In a few areas of rural England it is said to bring bad luck.
A trio of circular trays with similar patterns. Their diameters are 122, 150 and 200mm (5", 6" & 8"). The illustration on the right is taken from the larger tray which still has some of the original colours.
A small stuffed crocodile proudly holding a Kinco tray similar to the one on the right. (Photo ack: sarahh412) The deckled edge model was made in two or more sizes.
Two trays made especially to illustrate buildings at the British Exhibition at Wembley that opened in 1924 and again in 1925 & 1926. The emblem selected for the exhibition was the stylised lion shown at the top. Diameter 95mm (c4").
Some trays were made for the junior market.
A typically Indian type of pattern on a circular serving tray with a rolled rim edge. With 'Indian' patterns there are frequently used symbols based on religious deities but used also for the expat and tourist market. Diameter just under 300mm (12")
A tray with an interesting pattern of dogs and rabbits in a foliate background (ack: jsc1988).
The largest trays made by Kinco were for use as tops on sets of occasional table folding legs. There were about six designs of top, all well supported on a wooden frame. Mostly the legs were straight but some were spiral turned. Originally both the legs and underside of the top would have been labelled. The edge of the top was turned down to fit over the wooden framework and sit securely on the unfolded legs. Frequently it had a hammered finish, whatever the top design.
For other designs see the 'tables' section of the catalogue.