Haida/Northwest Coast Style 'Eagle and Raven' Etched Pewter or Silver-Plate Tray
Hollowware (Small Rectangular Serving Tray/Trinket Dish) · Likely Boma or a similar souvenir-tier manufacturer (e.g., Panabo) specializing in Northwest Coast Indigenous-style decorative arts. These companies often partner with local artists but mass-produce items using casting or etching techniques.
Pattern: Northwest Coast Formline Series; featuring the 'Eagle' or 'Raven' crest design within a circular medallion and repeating ovoid border.
Type
Hollowware (Small Rectangular Serving Tray/Trinket Dish)
Maker
Likely Boma or a similar souvenir-tier manufacturer (e.g., Panabo) specializing in Northwest Coast Indigenous-style decorative arts. These companies often partner with local artists but mass-produce items using casting or etching techniques.
Material
Nickel-based Silver Plate or Cast Pewter. The yellowing/golden hue on the right side suggests a worn silver-plate over a brass/copper base metal, or oxidized pewter/zamac. It is unlikely to be solid sterling silver given the $20 asking price and manufacturing style.
Dimensions
Estimated 8-10 inches in length and 5-6 inches in width. Weight likely between 250-400 grams depending on whether the base metal is lead-free pewter or plated steel/zinc.
Description
This rectangular tray represents a commercial adaptation of Indigenous Pacific Northwest Coast art. The central medallion features a striking etched depiction of a Crest bird, likely an Eagle, rendered in the classic formline style. The piece serves as a cultural souvenir, blending modern manufacturing with traditional geometric motifs. While not a high-end silver masterpiece, it is a quintessential piece of 'Canadiana' reflecting the regional art of Vancouver.
Key Features
Central circular 'Eagle' formline medallion, repeating 'spirit face' border, and a shallow rectangular form. Its diagnostic trait is the acid-etched appearing texture within the recessed lines.
Material & Composition
Nickel-based Silver Plate or Cast Pewter. The yellowing/golden hue on the right side suggests a worn silver-plate over a brass/copper base metal, or oxidized pewter/zamac. It is unlikely to be solid sterling silver given the $20 asking price and manufacturing style.
Finish & Decoration
Etched and die-struck decorative treatment. Features Traditional Northwest Coast (Haida/Tlingit style) formline art with u-shapes and ovoids. Border consists of a repeating stylized face or eye pattern. The surface shows a brushed/satin effect with heavy directional scratches.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not visible in the image, but likely stamped on the reverse with 'BOMA', 'PEWTER/ETAIN', or 'CANADA'. It lacks traditional British or American sterling hallmarks (Lion Passant or '925' stamp).
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured via die-striking or casting. The primary design is embossed/debossed rather than hand-chased. The tray has a simple shallow-well profile with a rolled or sharp-cut edge typical of 20th-century souvenir ware.
Functional Features
Single-well flat surface for serving or display; shallow raised rim to prevent items from sliding off. No mechanical features or removable parts.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles or separate grips; the tray is designed to be held by the rim or used as a stationary vanity/trinket tray.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial grade. The lines are uniform, suggesting a machine-made die. The finishing is utilitarian with clear evidence of mechanical polishing and mass-market assembly.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic as a vintage souvenir item. It is not an 'authentic' hand-carved piece by an Indigenous artist, but a licensed or commercially inspired reproduction. The lack of precious metal hallmarks confirms its status as non-sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
Vancouver or Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Produced in a commercial workshop environment rather than a traditional silversmith's forge.
Era & Period
Modern Souvenir Era (late 20th Century, c. 1970-1990). This style surged in popularity during the 1970s and 80s in British Columbia as tourism for Indigenous-style art increased.
Age Estimate
Circa 1975-1995. The font of the 'Vancouver' listing and the specific wear patterns on the metal suggest a vintage piece from the late 20th century.
Cultural Significance
Represents the commercialization of Indigenous art for the tourist market. While iconic to the Vancouver region, these mass-produced items are often viewed as 'airport art' compared to authentic hand-wrought silver jewelry made by artists like Bill Reid.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair. There are significant surface scratches across the field of the tray. Noticeable yellow oxidation/tarnish on the right side suggests the plating is thin or the metal is reacting to environmental factors. No major dents are visible.
Value Estimate
$15 - $35 USD. The $20 asking price in the listing is an accurate reflected market value for a souvenir-grade plate in this condition.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soapy water and a soft cloth. Do not use abrasive silver polishes, as they may strip the thin plating or damage the pewter finish. Avoid soaking to prevent pitting.
Similar Pieces
Boma Canada pewter trays, Panabo wood-and-resin trays, or hand-carved argillite plates. These differ significantly in material value and artistic pedigree.
Interesting Facts
The design is based on Haida and Tlingit oral traditions where the Eagle and Raven represent the two primary moieties (social groups). Such items were staples in Vancouver gift shops for decades.