Lahden Olut Brewery Commemorative Alpaca Silver Tray/Dish
Decorative Object / Barware Accessory · Cultor (Finland). The piece was manufactured as a promotional item for Mallasjuoma / Lahden Olut (Lahti Beer), a major Finnish brewery founded in 1912 and later acquired by Hartwall.
Pattern: Lahden Olut Brewery Crest Pattern. This is a corporate commemorative piece featuring the 'ALTA ET LATE' (High and Wide) motto and heraldic lions.
Type
Decorative Object / Barware Accessory
Maker
Cultor (Finland). The piece was manufactured as a promotional item for Mallasjuoma / Lahden Olut (Lahti Beer), a major Finnish brewery founded in 1912 and later acquired by Hartwall.
Material
Alpaca Silver (Nickel Silver). This is a base metal alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc. Despite the name, it contains no elementary silver unless silver-plated (EPNS). The duller, grayish patina visible is characteristic of unplated or worn nickel silver.
Dimensions
Diameter approximately 10–12 cm (4-5 inches). Weight estimated at 80–120 grams. This size is standard for a coaster, pin dish, or small ash tray.
Description
A robust Finnish commemorative dish made of Alpaca silver, celebrating the heritage of the Lahden Olut brewery. The central motif is a bold heraldic crest featuring the brewery's coat of arms and the motto 'ALTA ET LATE.' The dish serves as both a piece of regional breweriana and a functional accessory.
Key Features
The most defining feature is the Finnish brewery branding 'LAHDEN OLUT.' The 'ALP' stamp identifies it as a nickel silver alloy commonly used for durable commercial items.
Material & Composition
Alpaca Silver (Nickel Silver). This is a base metal alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc. Despite the name, it contains no elementary silver unless silver-plated (EPNS). The duller, grayish patina visible is characteristic of unplated or worn nickel silver.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror-polished rim with a central embossed medallion. The design features a Finnish heraldic crest with two lions rampant, a crown, wheat stalks, and the text 'LAHDEN OLUT' (Lahti Beer) and 'LAHDEN VOITTAJAT' (Lahti Winners).
Hallmarks & Stamps
The 'C' in a hexagonal frame (Cultor mark) and 'ALP' or 'ALPA' (indicator for Alpaca/Nickel Silver). It lacks the Finnish national silver mark (crown in heart) or the .813/.830/.925 purity marks, confirming it is not solid silver.
Construction Details
Machine-struck or die-stamped from a flat sheet of nickel silver. The deep relief of the center indicates a high-pressure industrial press construction rather than hand-chasing.
Functional Features
Slightly raised rim to contain small items or liquid runoff; stackable design typical of barware accessories.
Handle & Grip Details
None; rimmed circular form designed for flat placement on a table or shelf.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial production. The die-striking is crisp and well-aligned, indicating quality mass-production typical of Finnish mid-century manufacturing standards.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the 'ALP' stamp and the lack of a 'crown' hallmark are the primary indicators that this is not solid silver. The branding is authentic to Finnish corporate giftware of the 20th century.
Origin & Manufacturing
Lahti, Finland. Produced specifically for the Finnish domestic market as a promotional gift or brewery souvenir.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (Post-WWII). The typography and the branding for Lahden Olut reflect Finnish commercial design from the 1950s through the 1970s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960–1975. This aligns with the peak production of Alpaca commercial giftware in Scandinavia and the branding era of Mallasjuoma.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war industrial boom in Finland and the significance of the brewing industry in Lahti, which was once known as the 'Beer City' of Finland.
Condition Notes
Good used condition. Small surface scratches (swirl marks) consistent with cleaning. No major dents observed. Tarnish is light but shows the typical yellowish-gray tint of nickel silver rather than the black/purple of sterling. Price tag suggests it is currently in a thrift or second-hand environment.
Value Estimate
5 € – 15 €. As a non-precious nickel silver item, its value is derived from its appeal to collectors of 'Breweriana' (beer memorabilia) or Finnish local history enthusiasts rather than its metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water. If polishing is desired, use a standard silver cream, but be aware that Alpaca silver will never achieve the bright white-blue luster of sterling silver.
Similar Pieces
Similar dishes were made in solid .813 silver for high-level retirements; however, they would bear the Finnish crown hallmark and a year code (e.g., L7 for 1964). Standard stainless steel versions also exist but lack the 'ALP' mark.
Interesting Facts
The 'ALTA ET LATE' motto on the crest was the official motto for the Mallasjuoma brewery. These items were often given to employees for anniversaries or to prestigious pubs as decor.