Whenever I see those colored aluminum tumblers, I have to smile. It brings back fond memories of my dear sister. She would always serve beverages in those. She swore that they kept drinks colder. She was probably right about that but forgot to mention that metallic taste! Oh, well. 
They used to be reasonably priced. Most aluminum was not expensive to begin with and they were not that desirable.That’s why a recent visit to an antique shop was a bit of a surprise. A set with a red pitcher and 6 glasses of varying colors was priced at $45.00. There was also a set of iced tea stirs, with the spoon at the end. Still in their original box, which always adds to the value, but with a tag that read $32, I was amazed.
Admittedly, there are some items that do have a lot of flair. Hand forged pieces such as those from the Wendell August Forge, Rodney Kent, Continental and Bueuilum have some pretty unique patterns and shapes. Those with glass inserts are still functional and would probably be fun to use on a casual buffet table. These bring back memories of the ‘all-important’ casserole dishes that were popular in the 1950s and 60s. Women were joining the workforce more regularly and they liked to have a quick meal for the hungry family.
I have seen hammered aluminum baskets, butter containers, serving dishes, salt and pepper shakers, platters, match safes, cigarette cases, napkin holders, canister sets and on and on. I once had an extremely large platter with unusual ’sea-weed’ handles and a fish motif. Sold it at a flea market a few years back. Wonder what that would be worth today. I also had an aluminum bracelet, purchased at a thrift shop. I think I recall giving it to a curious granddaughter to play with. What was I thinking? This mirror will stay in my collection of silver mirrors, if only as an oddity.
I do have one rather unique item in my possession. I may just put it to good use one of these days. It is an aluminum belt! Very geometric in its design. With all of the attention in the fashion world in large, clunky, over-sized belts, this one may just fit right in.
Still a relatively inexpensive collectible and aluminum can be functional too. The ones that are ‘unsigned’ are more reasonable and unless you need pieces with overly ornate patterns, you can probably pick them up for under $10. They seem to have a long life, if you treat them well. Who knows, they may come back into style for the next generation. We understand they are still being made today!
If you’ve got a favorite aluminum collectible, we’d love to hear about it! And if you want to join others who collect, there are various hammered aluminum collectors clubs to check out!
April 5th, 2009 at 8:21 PM
I have a Continental Hand wrought try #571 and Silent butler #801, can anyone put an approx. price on these?
April 7th, 2009 at 7:16 AM
Lin,
Our library of collector books did not list any #571 Continental tray or silent butler. But book prices are only for reference as the market shifts higher and lower quickly. I am not an appraiser but our “Market Place” on the home page of Collectors’ Quest does have an appraisal feature.
You might also explore local antique shops for like items. Please remember condition of aluminum (and all items) is very important in value.
May 16th, 2009 at 2:51 PM
I have been collecting hammered alum. for the last 15 years…I do have some pcs. that I would part with….Hammered Alum toaster. Wonderful condition…works…I have had it for 12 years.
What price would you put on it? I have checked all references and find nothing as far a price/value is concerned.
May 18th, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Hi Jacie, thanks for the interest in CQ and for reading my blogs. I wish I could be more helpful but I am not an appraiser. Having said that, I have never seen a toaster of hammered aluminum and would think it is pretty rare indeed. You might want to check with local antique stores, they often have ‘pros’ on their staff who can give you an idea of its value. They might also take things on consignment (they would take a percentage and leave it in a case in their store.) Good luck to you, Val
July 10th, 2009 at 4:48 PM
Hi,
I have a nice collection of hammered aluminum ware on Etsy for sale and I was just asked the question, how do you care for it? Of course I know I wash mine in soap and water, but can you bake in it? Serve hot food in etc? Any special care instructions would be helpful to answer my inquiry!
Thank you.
Debbie
July 12th, 2009 at 8:24 AM
Hello Debbie, I appreciate your interest in CQ and my blogs! I agree, you can wash them in soap and water. But I would not bake in it. The hammered/decorated alum. is very soft and I doubt it could take much heat. If you ever noticed, the dishes that were for serving hold glass inserts. It could probably be used for serving things out of the oven such as biscuits, but I don’t think really hot items would be advised. Good luck with your selling – and if Etsy does not prove to be successul, check out CQ’s Marketplace. Val
August 24th, 2009 at 7:26 PM
Hi there is no way I can sell hammered Aluminum Items On computter or yard or Garage or fli market I jist cant get Around and I dont want to take this metal Aluminum and other things to the junk yard ;; what is the thing to do
August 25th, 2009 at 4:19 PM
Hi Mike, thanks for reading my article and for your interest in CQ. You might want to consider listing it as a ‘lot’ on CQ’s Marketplace. Without knowing how much there is, or the patterns, or makers, it is hard to say. Good luck, Val