📝 Description
A highly decorative and substantial three-piece vintage serving set, hand-made in Mexico, dated 1995. The pieces are crafted from cast aluminium with a polished, silver-toned finish.
The entire set features a detailed nautical/coastal motif of embossed seashells, conch shells, and starfish around the rims and edges. This style is characteristic of decorative Mexican aluminium wares, sometimes associated with makers like Mariposa (Brillante).
The set includes:
Large Round Bowl: A decorative bowl ideal for salads, fruits, or punch, complete with a matching serving fork and spoon.
Casserole/Trifle Holder: An elaborate square/octagonal tray designed to hold a removable glass insert, perfect for serving hot casseroles, cold dips, or layered trifles. The set includes the original clear glass inserts.
Matching Serving Utensils: Two utensils with ornate, textured handles, clearly stamped "MADE IN MEXICO 1995."
This unique set is perfect for coastal decor, entertaining, or as a statement piece of Mexican metalware.
 
⭐ Features
✔️ Quantity: 5 Pieces Total (Bowl, 2 Utensils, Holder/Tray, Glass Inserts)
✔️ Material: Cast Aluminium (Hand Made) with Glass Inserts
✔️ Motif: Seashells, Starfish, and Conch Shells (Nautical/Coastal)
✔️ Utensil Handles: Detailed serpentine and scalloped relief patterns
✔️ Markings: Stamped "HAND MADE IN MEXICO 1995"
✔️ Era: Vintage, Dated 1995
 
📏 Dimensions (approx.)
Round Bowl: Diameter: 37.5 cm; Height: 10 cm
Utensils (Fork & Spoon): Length: 32 cm
Square Casserole Holder: Max Width (across points): 41 cm; Max Depth: 34 cm; Height of Rim: 6.5 cm
Glass Inserts (4x): Each approx. 25.5 cm x 22 cm x 6 cm
 
⚠️ Condition
Good vintage condition.
The aluminum surfaces show typical minor scuffing and small scratches consistent with a polished soft metal.
The polished finish has some areas of minor pitting/flaking (visible on the utensil stamp close-up), which is common for this type of cast aluminum over time.
All four glass inserts are intact and clear.
The set is ready for use, needing only a light polish to shine the metal.
 
🧠 Background
Cast aluminum ware was a popular craft tradition in Mexico, particularly for the export market, taking cues from heavier decorative metals like pewter or silver. Pieces often feature natural or rustic motifs and are prized for their detailed hand-casting and robust construction. The "HAND MADE IN MEXICO" stamp and the year 1995 denote a piece made for the export market just before the widespread use of generic marks became common in later decades.