Striking six-piece pewter coffee-and-tea service, including filigreed tray, coffee pot, tea pot, sugar bowl with lid, creamer and what may be a “cigarette urn” or bud vase. Produced by Metawa (Metaalwarenfabriek) of Tiel, the Netherlands, which operated from 1930-1984.

While these piece show clear inspiration from earlier Art Deco and Streamline designs, I would place their production from the mid-1950s to mid-1960s. Their refined minimalism is more fitting to the mid-century modernist period, and the Japanese-influenced, geometric rattan/bamboo handle wraps are in keeping with that era.

A 1971 Metawa catalog shows similar services in different styles, and describes the small vase-like piece as a “cigarette urn.” Again, appropriate for the period yet thankfully designed somewhat non-specifically so that it might now be used for flowers, napkins, condiments or teaspoons. Finding all of these pieces together with the tray is somewhat rare.

Condition is excellent for their age. Similar sets shows scratches on all surfaces. Without having been polished, these have a handful of visible imperfections, but are generally brilliant in finish and smooth-textured. The only exception is the bottom of the service tray, which shows many large scratches from use. To prevent further scratching, four adhesive felt pads have been applied.

Inside, all pieces show slight staining from use, even though they have been cleaned with soap and water. More aggressive cleaning will remove these marks, but is not necessary for sanitary use.

Dimensions:

Tray: 18.5” w x 13” h x 1” d

Coffee: 7.5” h x 9.5” w (handle to spout)

Tea: 6” h x 9” w (handle to spout)

Cream: 3.5” h x 5” w

Sugar: 4.5” h x 7” w

Urn: 3.5”h x 2.5” w

MCM Art Deco/Streamline Pewter Coffee + Tea Service by Metawa Holland.