The History Behind the Pieces We Find
This Victorian Revival tray was one of our first mystery finds. It was sitting along with a stack of impressive butler trays and round serving trays and was the only one without a price tag on it. The estate sale representative agreed to let us have it for $3, and we began digging into history to learn what this tray was used for. The little holes along the edge were a mystery to us, but we finally figured out the original use for this treasure!
Shop Our Vintage Finds:
The Toast Tray
During the Victorian time period, mornings would start with a selection of toast served in a rack attached to a tray like this one, and the raised rack would prevent the toast from getting soggy as it sat on the tray. Long ago the rack was separated from this tray, and only the small holes along the edge remain to tell the story of breakfast toast. We were able to clean this tray using a combination of a short Ion Transfer Bath followed by a gentle scrub with our custom Touch of Tartar paste and a warm bath in Dawn dish soap. The rectangular shape of this little darling makes it a good candidate to repurpose it as a letter tray, an entryway tray to collect keys and phones, a bedside tray for jewelry, watches, and glasses, or a vanity tray for perfume bottles. It could still carry toast to the breakfast table too! No matter how you use it, the beauty of the trim around edges will continue to bring pleasure to those who use it for years to come, and we were glad to have been able to bring it back to life with just a Touch of Tartar!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get a copy of the free Touch of Tartar silver cleaning recipes?
You can download our free printable guide on our Linktree page! It includes our signature non-toxic Cream of Tartar paste recipe and step-by-step instructions for safely restoring silver plate without harsh chemicals or commercial polishes.
Where can I watch your restoration videos and research process?
Follow along with our latest finds, cleaning experiments, and historical digs on our YouTube channel, @touchoftartar! We share full video restorations, behind-the-scenes thrift hunts, and tips for identifying vintage treasures. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss our next mystery piece!
Where can I purchase restored vintage pieces like this one?
Our curated collection of lovingly restored silver plate, metalware, and vintage home accents is available in our online shops! You can explore our current inventory on both eBay (@touchoftartar) and Etsy (@touchoftartar). Each piece comes fully cleaned and ready to use or display.
What is the “Tartar Tribe”?
The Tartar Tribe is our community of vintage enthusiasts, history lovers, and conscious restorers who appreciate the stories behind old metalware and prefer natural, non-toxic restoration methods. By joining us on YouTube and following our stories here, you’re part of the tribe bringing forgotten treasures back to life!