Featured Antique (or close) lg marble tray, Kansas city hotel

This was at the thrift, and not totally inexpensive: $24.99.

I actually had it in my cart briefly but put it back on the shelf 2 days ago. Noticed it still there today and just decided to bring it home.

So what I know, it's Reed and Barton silverplate. I think that the mark suggests this tray was custom made for The Muehlebach Hotel in Kansas City. The marble is a really pretty color, yellows and pinks. (If I had a spot for this I'd use it in a heartbeat, but was thinking for possible resale.) It weighs a lot. Guessing maybe 20lbs? Measures approx 18" x 11" and the marble slab 1" thick.

So "Muehlebach" must refer to the Kansas City hotel... or??

Also there is some substance all over the top, almost suggests something was maybe glued (?) to the top at one point. The good news is that it seems that I can scrape this somewhat easily off with my fingernail, and maybe could even use some kind of cleaner if needed since marble. Would isopropyl alcohol be okay?

What the heck would have been glued on the top of this? All I could think was some of that green felt, but why would you want to cover the marble?

Do I have the hotel association right for a start? Also what would a heavy marble tray like this have been used for in a hotel?

Thanks!



(The small green blob is wax, I have not begun to clean this.)



The bottom:

 

At that weight, I doubt that it was carried around with food or drinks on top. More likely for displaying buffet service. And yes, I think you have name of the hotel right.

Not a clue what the sticky stuff might be.

 

The Muehlebach was one of Kansas City's premier hotels in the early to mid 20th Century. Every celebrity stayed there; the name came from one of Kansas City's beer brewing families; Muehebach beer was already a household name synonymous with quality by the time the original hotel was built.

The marble piece is enhanced by Reed & Barton silver in much the same way that plateau mirrors were made in the early 20th century. That makes me think that your piece was involved in some kind of presentation, perhaps food, that would be associated with the hospitality industry.

 

Good suggestions Bakers and Ghopper. Thanks!

Maybe it was used to set hot things on at the hotel?

What I like about it is that I think in modern times it would be a cool piece on a buffet --even for drinks or maybe candles? Something the marble could handle. And then a bonus with the hotel connection.

Ghopper, you think could be early 20th century since the setting reminds you of mirrors from that era? It seems so well made and hefty, making me think it is older than mid century. Maybe 1930's?

 

Yes, @Lucille.b , my feeling is that this is probably from the 1920s-30s Art Deco era. Marble enjoyed a renaissance in the 1920s, kind of an echo from Victorian times. I can easily see this supporting a centerpiece on a buffet, even a slab of prime rib, insulating the table top from the heat of the dish.

Incidentally, Reed & Barton is still in business, associated with very high quality dinner ware. Your piece, even associated with a more institutional use, would not have been cheap back in the day.

 

Is the marble polished? Best to do a little reading up on how to clean marble before going at it with alcohol. Marble is not as tough as it seems.

 

Yes, polished. Good thought, will check.

Thanks, Ghopper.

 

Is it marble or pineapple onyx?

 

A lot of rocks called onyx are actually marble.

 

I have absolutely no idea! I guessed marble... but zero expert in this kind of thing.

The coloring is kind of unusual, pink and orange.

 

I think that onyx is somewhat harder than marble. Looking at the pic of the bottom there are quite a few scratches indicative of a fairly soft rock. I'm going for Marble.

 

Here is a photo of one of my powder rooms.... this is my pineapple onyx floor

 

I'd think a cheese tray. Marble is often used for that.

 

Nice tray!
I think the lady underneath used to pose for Patrick Nagel

 

.

 

Here's an article (with photographs!) from a 1915 issue of Hotel/Motor Monthly that discusses items Reed & Barton supplied to the Hotel Muehlebach. A bit early for your buffet tray I'd think but interesting nevertheless.

https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Hotel_motor_Hotel_Monthly/p1ZGAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0

Debora

 

Well done, Debora.

 

This looks more like travertine rather than onyx or marble.

 

My floor? Nope - hubby and I installed it. Most definitely pineapple onyx.