Posted 7 years ago
AnythingOb…
(1778 items)
It never ceases to amaze me at some of the oddball "things" that sometimes show up discarded in large dumpsters, when big churches/schools/etc. undertake 'major remodeling projects' around their campuses. I kinda think this set came from such a project at a college chapel building actually, but don't honestly remember for sure -- I've had them for 20+ yrs myself now.
There are six securely stackable trays and a matching lid with cross shaped handle, the whole stack is about 16" tall total. Each tray is about 12-1/2" across and 2-1/2" high, and has an insert made to hold 20 tiny glass "individual communion" cups, a method often used in protestant churches to dispense the liquid portion of that process. (I only have a little over 40pcs of the tiny glasses left...not surprisingly, those didn't survive the 'dumpster toss' nearly as well... <sigh>) The bottom of each tray is 'stepped up' slightly towards its center, as are the inserts.
I'm not sure what they are made of, but they are rather heavy - each tray weighs about 3lbs. Guessing they are either stainless or nickel (?) plated brass, they don't appear to be silver/plate. There are no maker's/brand logo marks, only "SB1621" and "PAT.NO.DES.138433" stamped into the underside of each tray. (nothing on the lid) That design patent was indeed granted to one Allan P. Lindblad in 1944, for "communion cup tray" which matches this set -- but I don't have any idea who Mr. Lindblad was or who he might have worked for.
I came across a reference to Allan P Lindblad associated with Sudbury Brass Goods CO. BOSTON who made church & religious items.
THANKS SO VERY MUCH Tassie for sharing that further clue, which actually makes perfect sense -- I did note that Mr. Lindblad's patent had him located in Massachusetts, plus "Sudbury Brass" easily fits that "SB-" (pattern?) number. Also seems to point to my suspicion that these are actually made of brass (plated with something other than silver) since they truly don't have a 'stainless steel' feel or look to 'em.
Thanks to aura too, for hitting that <Love It> button! :-)
You are very welcome Anything Obscure! Happy to help when I can:-)
Spray them brass and use a very basic cross, and you have my Church's trays. LOL.
More thanks due to fortapache, racer4four, lisa, and SpiritBear for hitting the <love> button! SB, I wouldn't be surprised if these would have been (or still are?) available in different metal finishes, and the cross handle does appear to be attached to the lid with a single screw from beneath -- so your church's set could probably easily be a design variation of the exact same thing?! :-)
I'm sure that pastors have a 'Sears Catalog ' type thing to search through, but it's practically identical. I'd expect some more variance between the two as I'm pretty sure ours were bought new when we constructed the new building in the '80s.
There's NO DOUBT SB, that 'church goods' are indeed "marketed to their customers" in exactly the same ways that most any other kind of item could be -- whether via catalog or any other method.
Now you've reminded me of one of the *ABSOLUTE FUNNIEST* sorta-related things I think I've ever witnessed, albeit completely accidentally... ;-)
While working, quietly and basically out of sight in the balcony of a large Catholic church, I heard a couple other people turn some lights on and otherwise enter the church while conversating with each other. After a little while and once I looked up from my work to see who it was, I nearly lost it... <eeek> Turns out it was the head priest and (apparently) his vestments (robes, etc) salesman -- who was following him around holding a full-length mirror, so the priest could watch himself parading back and forth up and down the aisle and altar steps to "model" various sample garments.
It was all I could muster to *not* break out LOLOL watching this scene unfold -- especially as one who already sorta knew the particular guy. (who probably was never aware that some of us that worked around the place had nicknamed him "scooter", since he was known for his uncanny ability to actually move around *without* appearing to do so, as if he was a statue on wheels) To catch sight of this guy in this setting -- swishing and swirling himself around up and down the steps like a runway model at a Vegas fashion show -- well, let's just say it would have been an *absolutely priceless* video clip, ifn's I would have had means at the time to capture it for posterity...?! <ROTFL>
My most gracious thanks for the <love> from Trey!