Look what my friend gave me!

[vintage1963]

Today I received these items from a friend of mine whose parents house had been sold. In the house were many,many years worth of things that needed to be dealt with. Some things were donated to charity and some were kept by family. The house sold within two weeks of listing so time was of the essence. Had I been able to help clean out the house I would have had my pick of whatever I wanted. In any case, what I got I am very pleased with. There is a small percolator which perks beautifully, warming trays that are pristine and work, a martini mixer, Hall serving bowls, and a Farberware electric skillet, also in great shape and which works.

I hope the pictures are enjoyable!

 

[tomturbomatic]

That's quite a haul. Congratulations.

 

[iowabear]

We had one of those electric warming trays when I was a kid, I had completely forgotten about it until I saw your pictures. 

 

I don't recall it ever being used though.  How hot do they get?

 

[frigilux]

Congratulations! What a great selection of goodies. We had that GE coffeemaker when I was a kid. As for the gleaming beauty in Photo #1, make mine a very dry gin martini, please.

 

[fan-of-fans]

I think my grandmother had a warming tray similar to those, though the pattern was different. I don't recall it having a control knob like those, but Thermotray sounds familiar to what it was.

 

[mattl]

All nice thing to have if you have a use for them...

 

I too have a warming tray.  Was cleaning and remembered I had one in the bottom drawer of the china cabinet.  It's been there for 40 years, it's had very little use.  Honestly don't know what I'd use it for today.  For the holidays I'll use the silver chafing dishes with alcohol burners to keep thing warm, a little dressier than a warming tray, plus keeps things warmer.

 

[vintage1963]

Hi Jim,
I wasn't sure how hot the trays would get but to my surprise they got fairly hot on the high setting, hot enough that it is somewhat uncomfortable to touch but of course not so hot as to cause a burn. I suppose now I will need to find a reason to use them. Christmas is coming up. I could use them to keep our dinner hot!

 

[vintage1963]

Eugene,
I used the percolator this morning. It makes a great cup of coffee, very hot and flavorful. I would also like to make a martini just to see what they taste like. Do you have a recipe? Bottoms up!

 

[polkanut]

I found the same pattern warming tray as #12 at one of our local thrifts a couple of years ago but, the glass in mine is avocado green.  These work great for keeping buffet foods hot!  Nice haul.

 

[vintage1963]

Hi Tim,
I looked these up on eBay and I saw one in red, which I love since red is my favorite color, and I love the pattern as well. As for the other tray, I'm not sure what the surface material is made of. It isn't glass like the other one. Does anyone know what it could consist of?

 

[frigilux]

Dry Gin Martini

2-1/2 ounces gin
1/2 ounce dry vermouth
Dash of orange bitters, optional
2 pimiento-stuffed olives (or a twist of lemon peel if using orange bitters)

Fill martini shaker with ice cubes. Add gin, vermouth and orange bitters (if using). Stir or shake gently for 20-30 seconds. Strain drink into martini glass. Add olives or lemon twist.

There are many minor variations and everyone has their favorite brands. Mine are Bombay Sapphire gin; Dolin dry vermouth; Regan's bitters (although I frequently omit the bitters). Martinis can also be made with vodka rather than gin.

Variations:
> A 'Perfect' Martini uses equal parts sweet and dry Vermouth
> A 'Wet' Martini uses equal parts gin and dry vermouth rather than the usual 3:1 ratio
> A 'Dirty' Martini adds just a splash of the brine/juice from the jar of olives
> A 'Very Dry' Martini: Swirl some vermouth around in the glass, then pour it out before adding the chilled gin.

[this post was last edited: 12/17/2017-06:38]

 

[launderess]

How to make a martini

No one has improved upon the time honored recipe and method demonstrated here by young Patrick

 

[pulltostart]

The fry pan

is the coolest of all the items!  Love the way it's supported off the table with the ring in place of just four simple legs.  Very nice design, whether it works or not.

 

lawrence

 

[vintage1963]

Eugene, I will most definitely be using your recipe to make a martini. I will let you know how it/they turn out!

 

[vintage1963]

Lawrence, the electric skillet reminds me of a spaceship the way it is supported by that ring. It seems very "Atomic Age" even though I am certain this was made made in the 1960s or later. It seems too modern to be 1950s, but I know I could be wrong on that. I'll need to do my research to see when it was manufactured.

 

[frigilux]

Spot on, Launderess. Young Patrick knows his way around an very dry martini!

Aside: I love the work of cinematographer Harry Stradling. His sense of texture and color is never less than stunning. You can almost reach out and touch it. His work graces many well-known classics. The Picture of Dorian Gray, A Streetcar Named Desire, A Summer Place, and My Fair Lady come to mind.

 

[circlew]

Nice gifts

I like the Hall China set. My sister's mother-in-law had a large collection of Hall "Autumn Leaf" pattern. I would have liked a couple pieces of it after she passed away, but they sold the full collection (minus a couple pieces they wanted) for a pretty penny.

 

[vintage1963]

Hi Tom,
We had a few pieces of Hall pottery when I was a kid. After my mom died I got them. I still use one of the bowls for serving. Dishes such as those aren't made these days and seeing vintage dinnerware like that sure brings back memories.

 

[sweetpea68]

o wow! I am digging that electric skillet! what a score!