Tole has many faces. It is thought that the origins of "tole" were hand painted decorative screens made in Italy. Even today, porcelain rose shaped candle holders and ornaments are known as tole.

Trays are what we all love most and many forms are known as tole.

• French paper mache-Usually quite old and fussy in design. They come in all colors and many unique shapes as well.
• Japan paper mache-My favorite. These are thought to have debuted for export at the 1933 Chicago World Expo. The older pre war ones are usually marked in red ink on the back with either a patent or Registry number. There is rarely a company name but sometimes there is an importers mark. Most of the old ones have an impressed flower symbol on the back as well.
• American Tole comes in many forms. Extremely valuable pieces date to pre-Civil War. One is actually on display at Harper's Ferry WV. Most common are the pieces that were produced in the 1940 to late 1950's period. These range from professionally done trays that were often sold in high end department stores to paint by numbers kits.
  

Buying Toleware on Ebay

It used to be quite simple. Now it is a minefield of all sorts of things passed off as tole and some sellers that do not stand by their items. Here are some things that will help you have a good experience.

• Look for good clear photos that show you what the item looks like. Sellers are often willing to send you more if you ask.
  
• Ask to get a detailed list of all known flaws. "Good Condition" really does not tell you much. And in the case of black trays, even good photos do not show everything.
  
• Read your sellers feedback. You can use toolhaus.org to see only negs and neutrals. You can also see feedback left for others which is important. If a seller calls others "deadbeat, idiot, moron" or other such things, you likely will not want to deal with them.
  

If the transaction goes bad-Item not as described or not delivered

•  Only pay by credit card on the internet. Sellers who do not offer Paypal or  merchant credit card options leave you with not recourse whatsoever should the transaction go bad.
  
• Communicate with the seller. Mistakes happen and most people will make it right. Be polite and non accusatory. Ask your seller how they will handle it.
  
• If that gets you nowhere, file your complaint with paypal and escalate it immediately. This will put a hold on the funds while paypal investigates your claim.
  
• If you paid by Paypal, you must file a claim with them first. If the seller has no funds in the account to refund you, contact your credit card company to do a chargeback. Contact your credit card company to find out what your time limitation is to do this.