Vintage 1932 Art Deco George Switzer Micarta Westinghouse Dynamic Airplane Tray

Details

Description

A highly collectible and authentic 1932 "Dynamic" airplane serving tray, designed by industrial pioneer George Switzer for the Westinghouse Electric … Read more A highly collectible and authentic 1932 "Dynamic" airplane serving tray, designed by industrial pioneer George Switzer for the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company. Widely regarded by decorative arts curators as the premier graphic from the 1930s Westinghouse Micarta home goods series, this genuine Machine Age piece is an exceptional find for collectors of early American modernism and avant-garde industrial design. The body is constructed from glossy black Micarta, an early industrial laminate composed of resin-fused paper layers. The striking aviation graphic is achieved through an intricate layout of thin, flush-inlaid pieces of colored anodized aluminum that are permanently fused right into the structure rather than topically printed or painted.

In terms of condition, the tray has survived in excellent structural shape over its ninety-plus-year lifespan. The aluminum artwork remains completely intact, bright, and flush with the tray surface, exhibiting none of the edge lifting, peeling, or metal oxidation commonly found on surviving examples from this series. The tray is solid and straight, showing no chips, cracks, or warping, and the reverse side clearly displays the original molded Westinghouse logo and Micarta trademark stamp.

This vintage piece is not factory-perfect and shows honest signs of handling. Under direct, angled lighting, a localized cluster of fine surface scratches and scuffs are visible in places. The last photo shows under harsh, direct lighting. The tray presents beautifully in normal lighting conditions in home. See less