Tray, Let's Kaffee Klatsch, Lithographed Metal, 19" Round, Vintage, USA, AAW, 1950s

A Pennsylvania Dutch-style coffee tray from American Art Works — bold graphics, playful phrases, and a name in German that means exactly what it sounds like: let's have a coffee and chat.

• Maker: American Art Works (AAW)
• Materials: Lithographed metal
• Dimensions: 19" diameter
• Origin: USA
• Era: Vintage, 1950s–1960s
• Condition: Very good vintage — fine scratches and stains on front, does not affect overall design. Back has heavy scratches, wear, and corrosion. Please review photos closely before purchasing, as all sales are final.

This tray features a Pennsylvania Dutch folk art style design with coffee-related phrases like "One lump or two?" and "I'll take it black," plus the tray's namesake, "Let's Kaffee Klatsch" — a playful twist on the German word Kaffeeklatsch, meaning "let's have a coffee and chat." Lithographed in metal with a black border, white center, and bold black, red, and metallic gold accents. Part of American Art Works' Social Supper Trays series. One available.  

Could be used for serving, but today most people either collect these trays or use them as kitchen, sunroom, coffee corner, or patio decor — a wonderful piece for a mid-century collector, a coffee lover, or anyone decorating a farmhouse or Pennsylvania Dutch-style kitchen.

This tray has long been attributed to Marcelline Stoyke, but after research into her known work, the American Art Works catalog, and the mid-century folk art tray boom, it appears this piece lacks her signature whimsical caricatures and style — it was almost certainly created by a different, anonymous staff illustrator working the same factory line.

American Art Works traces back to 1895, when it was founded as the Tuscarora Advertising Company in Coshocton, Ohio, producing breweriana advertising trays and signs. In 1901 it merged with its local competitor, Standard Advertising Company, to form Meek and Beach, and in 1908 the company was renamed The American Art Works — becoming the best-known tray manufacturer in America thanks to its popular Coca-Cola trays. The postwar shift to television and radio advertising, along with rising competition from plastic and other modern materials, led the factory to close in 1963.

Pairs beautifully with our other American Art Works Social Supper trays — browse our shop to build a matching set.