Small painted platter

[kidden6968]

Ok not sure what this might be but when I did some searching on  ebay etc. it looks very similar to some of the tole painted platters I viewed.  It is 9 1/2" diameter and on the back it has "Firenze Italy" and an "M" and an emblem of some sort.

At first I thought this was a plastic painted plate but think it might just be a very light wood.  In any case I really like it.  It does have a few little dings in the surface unfortunately.

I was unsure of how to clean it either.

Could anyone tell me whether or not this might be a tole painted plate or what else I might have if anything?

[mart]

Not sure but I think that is a decal on papier mache` !!

[kidden6968]

The center is definitely a decal - you can see the edges which is why I didn't think this was anything.  Cheap repro maybe?  I don't know what it is and don't want to scratch the surface - very light weight.  Either way I think it's neat - just trying to figure it out  - thanks Mart!!!

[mart]

You can almost bet papier mache` !! Italy was well known for their items like that !! To clean, just damp cloth, don`t soak !! They are really pretty as wall hangings or just to use as a tray !!

[KC]

Betting it is Paper Mache.  Very popular from the 60's.  The decoration is called Tole painting.

Firenze is Florence.

[kidden6968]

It certainly matches the style of some of the other tole painted plates or platters I have seen but I am still hung up on the material.  Yes very light weight - consensus is paper mache - but I am not sure how to tell.  I know if you tap on it there is almost a hollow sound.  Would paper mache be so smooth?

I want to list this but don't want to indicate something I am not sure of.  Unless I list it without stating what it is painted on  LOL  Apparently tole painting was done on a number of inexpensive surfaces. 

[mart]

The light weight almost assures that is what it is !!  Yes, from a distance, can look like whatever it imitates !! wood, tin, ect !! That was the point !!  Some of the older papier mache` is quite expensive !!

[kidden6968]

Thanks once again Mart!!!   Thanks to you too KC!!

Well my friend was putting it in her yard sale for $1 and the ones I have seen on ebay are most certainly selling for a "few" dollars more than that  LOL

[KC]

They even have paper mache' furniture.  I have paper mache' tv trays from the 50's that we still use.  They are sturdy, lightweight, etc.  With all the recycling going on shame they don't make these anymore!