Scalloped Brass and Glass Tea/Bar Cart

[bearsloveantiques]

Any information on this piece? It was my grandmother's. She was born in 1918. Thank you for your help!

[KC]

The rolling bar carts became very popular in the 90's.  I believe yours is near 60's - 70's. 

What is baffling me...is that a solid bottom with a unicorn on it?  Wonder if the bottom glass was broken and this was a replacement bottom?

The reason I believe yours is the later is if your notice the bottle holders are drop in attached to the cart and not permanently soldered.  It was around the time above they found simpler ways to make items work and save costs in production.  Ease of assembly.

Can you please take pictures of any screws/attachments? 

[ghopper1924]

That bottom piece is based on The Captive Unicorn, a tapestry from the 15th century. I don't see why it couldn't be original to the piece.

I agree with KC on the date. Probably 1960s.

[KC]

I was in a hurry earlier and meant to ask...is the unicorn painted on the underside of the glass? If not what kind of material is it made of?

Ghopper1924 the reason I asked is -  if you enlarge the picture it appears that some of the background paint?/coloring is missing and you can see the ground through two areas.

It was also during that time that "Reverse Glass Painting" was very popular.

[mart]

I didn`t see any paint missing ,,I assumed it was etched on the glass !!  Did see something that looked like bits of leaves stuck on the underside !!
Looking at the way its made and the style I think this serving cart is more 1940`s !!

[bearsloveantiques]

It's painted underneath the glass. I will post more detailed pictures later tonight. Thank you so much for your help. I was thinking about selling it but now on the fence....

[bearsloveantiques]

Here are some additional pictures. As stated by KC, the bottle holders are drop in. 

I apologize for the dust! We just moved 3 days ago and I keep meaning to give the piece some love.

Thank you again for all of your help!

[mart]

I still think at least 1940`s and possibly a bit earlier !!  More Hollywood Regency period !!

[ghopper1924]

Yep, I think you may be right after all, Mart. Earlier than the 1960s.

[KC]

Can you please tell me a little more about the piece -
     1)  It appears that the close up of the wheel shows that the "brass" or "gold" plating is worn off on the wheels?     
          If so, is that rust? (Help in determining timeline)
     2)  Are there any markings/numbers on the wheels or anywhere on the metal part of the car (or in the picture
          for that matter)
     3)  Does the painting texture on the underside appear smooth (as if done commercially) or is it a bit
          rough/textured as if painted by hand?
     4)  Can you please give height and width?  Thanks!!!

If you have the room and it goes with your belongings, then I would say keep it.  These items are so versatile to use for extra table space when having get togethers, to hold gifts if having parties/showers, etc. 

[mart]

I think the artwork was probably stenciled !!

[bearsloveantiques]

Still searching for a serial number of some kind. Will probably need to use a flashlight.

Here are the answers to your other inquiries...
1. Brass/plating appears a little worn in a few places but does not appear rusty. Feels smoother than rust as well.
2. Painting texture is rough
3. Dimensions: height 29.5 inches; length 30.25 inches; width 17.25 inches

This is so fun!

[mart]

What KC wants to know is,, can you see individual brush strokes on the artwork ??  Or is the texture consistent and the same even texture over all of it !!  If hand painted you should see evidence of brush marks !!  The same texture overall would mean commercially stenciled as its done with a spray !!

[bearsloveantiques]

Ha! Thank you for clarifying... Will check later tons get when I get home.

[KC]

Thank you Mart for clarifying that for me.  Appreciate it!  Thanks for the answers so far bearsloveantiques!