“Breweriana” covers everything related to the brewing and selling of beer, a category fueled by deep nostalgia for the British pub. As traditional local breweries vanished or were swallowed by conglomerates in the late 20th century, the items they left behind became relics.
Popular items include ceramic pump clips, water jugs, playing cards, and bar towels. However, brewery trays are the heavy hitters. A pre-war tray from a defunct local brewery featuring a vivid pictorial design (like a bulldog or a landscape) is the prize.
Collector’s Tip: Condition is tricky with trays. Rust on the rim is common and acceptable, but scratches across the main image (the “face”) kill the value. Be wary of “fantasy” items—mirrors or trays featuring famous brands (like Guinness or Coca-Cola) that look old but were mass-produced in the 1980s for home decor.
If a mirror looks brand new and features a design that seems too “clip-art” perfect, it’s likely a modern fantasy piece, not a vintage original.
