Engraved Wedding Invitation from the 1920s - now with pics (hopefully)

[kesgill]

Hi All,

I’m sorry if this is a repost.  I tried posting, but have not seen the topic come through.

First, thank you to all the experts who comment on this forum.  Your knowledge and time is greatly appreciated.
 
This is an engraved wedding invitation for the marriage of my great grandmother and grandfather.  It seems to be a copper ashtray with writing that is readable only through a mirror.  I have copied below what I have been able to make out of the inscription:

“Mr. and Mrs. Waitekus Abromaitis
Request the honor of your
Presence at the marriage of their daughter
Annie Christine
To
Mr. John Charles Jaworksi
On Tuesday afternoon, August the thirtieth
Nineteen hundred and twenty seven
At five o’clock
Saint A… Church
Park Avenue and …oga street
Baltimore Maryland”

I’m interested in both the history and popularity of these invitations.  Is this unique or was it common practice?  I would be curious as to a value, but am not looking to sell it.

Thanks, in advance, for any help.

[mart]

Is the second pic a reflected one or straight on ??  I will admit I have not heard of invitations like this !!  Especially if it has to be reflected to read it ??

[kesgill]

Both pictures are reflected.  I have one straight on, but didn't post it because it is very hard to read (since the writing is backward).  Also, I don't see any marks on the back or sides indicating who made it.  If it helps, this whole side of my family comes from the Eastern Shore of Maryland (on the Chesapeake Bay), so they may have been made in that area, but I don't know.

[bigwull]

I think this has been someone,s idea of a novel way of sending out an invitation...with a difference....and it could be useful afterwards...plant pot tray...unlike a card...that would probably end up lost....

[mart]

 I agree !!  However they would likely have been a well to do family to be able to afford such !!  Without some record from the family,, there would be little way to track down the engraver !!  It would be likely that the person who made them would be local to the town they lived in though !!

[kesgill]

I did find this piece, which shows we may not have been as inventive as you are giving us credit for: http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-1920-engraved-copper-wedding-invitation.  The 'plant pot tray' comment helped me find it, so thanks very much.  At least it's a starting point.

As for the price, my great grandmother was a first generation immigrant and a janitor and her husband was a fisherman on the Bay.  So, I'm not sure where they came up with the money, if this was expensive at the time (maybe a wealthy relative?). 

[mart]

Well,, learn something new everyday !!  Thats the second one I have seen !! Was around the same time period so may have been a popular thing to do !!

[talesofthesevenseas]

I don't think these were sent out. I think this was a keepsake that was made to commemorate the wedding after the fact. Something that the bride would use, keep in her home and pass onto her children.

[mart]

That makes much more sense !! Didn`t think about that !!

[kesgill]

Thanks, that's really nice.  I guess it worked out since her great granddaughter still has it 

[mart]

Tales,, any idea why it has to be read in reflection ??  The one on Worthpoint was the same ??

[kesgill]

The other site said the plate was supposed to fit into a mirror so it could be read.  I'm not sure how that would work or if I could track down an appropriate mirror to pair it with.  If anyone sees one, please let me know.

[KC]

It was very common that as a gift to the bride/groom that they were given a gift to reflect the day...and many times it was an engraving of their invitation.  This was very common in the early to mid 1900's.

[mart]

I am confused as to how it would work if it was in or with a mirror !!

[Rauville]

I would suggest that perhaps this was a perk from the stationeer, in the form of a keepsake made from the actual copper printing plate used for the invitations. That would explain the mirror image.