Stunning--I've never seen a tole tray quite like it. If you don't mind my asking, do you use bidding software? I've found that I can never win an auction that goes into a bidding frenzy because of the darn snipers.

Yes it is! I just love those tole trays : )

Teeda, in a word, YES. I have found that the best way to work eBay is to get a bid in during the last few seconds. I used to lose so many auctions, and I finally succumbed to using a free software program.

Since I read that this type of software is the smart way to win an auction, I use it, sometimes, not all. With the one linked below, you get 3 'free' bids a week. I wanted this tray very badly, so hoped it would help, and it did.

I also think that in many cases you win at a lower price, as you aren't fighting with another hot bidder during the last several minutes of the auction, driving up the price. If the auction ends late at night, I can place the bid several days before, and go to bed hoping I'll win, rather than sitting at the keyboard sweating over a fight for an item.

In the end, it all depends on what you are willing to bid. I have been sniped MANY times in the last few seconds by someone who could pay more than I would.

Here is a link that might be useful: Auction insites

beautiful..beautiful tray! Love the colors and the pattern is quite different. I've done bidding on ebay as well, and learned, like you, to bid towards the end for a better advantage. However, you've gone one further with special software...lol..Now that's serious bidding!! You're right, I've been involved where an auction would end late, and even though I've got it on 'watch'...you still have to be available to do that last minute bid. So, thanks for the good advice. Enjoy your tray..that's a nice collection you've got going.

my3dogs, that's a beautiful tray. Also, thanks for the link. I signed up for it. :)

I love your trays! I have seen some real beauties on ebay.

WOW.....love them both, so glad you won the one you wanted, they are gorgeous!

Gosh I love those old tray's, they just look stunning in a kitchen to me.

I have one in green, but the black ones are my favorite.

Glad you got it 3dogs, it will look great in your house.

Beautiful! I'm so glad you got the new tray - it will indeed be perfect with the other one you pictured.

Gosh. I wish somebody would give me an eBay gift certificate. ;-D

An eBay gift certificate (or gift card that I have found you can buy almost anywhere - who knew?) is the perfect gift for me. I get so excited about choosing the perfect vintage item, and it's so darn easy for the gift giver. Put one on your Christmas list!

Last night I got this tole tray on eBay for only $26.87! HOW can it be that only 2 people bid on this beautiful tray?

eBay and CL are my favorite 'entertainment'. This will sound like I'm incredibly boring...I seldom go out to eat, haven't seen a movie in a theater in probably 6 years, don't drink or smoke, but I LOVE my vintage beauties from those places. I'll buy an inexpensive something to re-do, such as the $15 all original walnut Victorian rocker I got from CL last week, which will keep me entertained for weeks. I show the chair below the tray pic. This is how this tray was described in the auction -

"Offered here is this BEAUTIFUL OLD TOLEWARE TRAY. IT IS ALL HAND PAINTED INCLUDING THE GOLD FREE HAND BORDER DECORATION. THIS TRAY IS PERFECT FOR FALL DECOR. IT IS APPROXIMATELY 13 X 17-1/2 INCHES AND WAS PART OF A CT ESTATE. IT APPEARS TO BE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH MINIMAL WEAR ONLY ON THE BOTTOM. I WAS TOLD IT HAD BEEN IN STORAGE FOR MANY MANY YEARS."

The $15 chair, shown in the CL photo, which I will re-finish and re-upholster.

My3dogs,
You are amazing with your great finds and of course the hard work you put in to them.
I love your new trays. Can't wait to see the chair all finished.

HA! I had my eye on that tray..it's a beauty.. I ususlly surf ebay nightly..and that one caught my eye...I'm really looking for a 'harvest tray'...so I passed on it..that would have been funny if you were the 'other' bidder!!
Great buy.

lyban, I SO wish you had Michael's in Quebec! I just got back and they had some wonderful realistic berries in colors that would do your mantle proud! And they were all 50% off, AND as I walked in, I got a $5.00 off any $25 purchase gift card that they were giving to the first 100 customers! Needless to say, I made sure that I spent $25, and I got some beautiful faux stuff - very high quality. To add height to your mantle, do you have a big twiggy or grapevine wreath that you could lean up there with some softer colored berries or leaves wound through it?

slinkey, I'd love to see the type of tray you are thinking of, and I PROMISE that I won't bid on it. I just want to see what you call a 'harvest tray', if you have a pic of one.

sorry for the misunderstanding... I'm 'in search' of something that has a harvest theme!! >> I guess with specific colors and fruit, etc. I actually saw both of the ones you purchased on ebay. The first one, I particularly loved, but I was looking for one that was a little less....however I'm glad you got it, as it's worth every penny.. Like I said earlier, I had to laugh b/c I did see this last one you purchased, and it would have been hilarious if we were bidding against ea other. Glad you did well at M's. I was there two weeks ago, when they did their 50% sale, and added to my 'collection'.. They have awsome florals and picks that are so realistic. I bought a ton 2yrs ago, at the Christmas Season. I also make napkin holders out of them..much nicer and cheaper.