It Housed Party Appetizers In The '70s, Now It's A Charming Thrift Store Find Collectors Hunt

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From shag carpeting to avocado-colored appliances, the 1970s were full of questionable decor and design choices, but there are some things from the disco era that have captured our attention decades after they first trended. Arthur Court fish platters were used for serving both main dishes and appetizers that were staples in the '70s. The shiny aluminum platters are generally exaggerated round or oval shapes crafted into fish with tails, heads, fins, imprinted scales, and a carnelian or agate stone eye. Half a century later, if you're lucky enough to find one on a thrift store shelf or resale site, you'll have a fun and interesting conversation piece to serve from at your next gathering. 

Arthur Court, a Californian designer and metalworker, began his career in the 1960s and is known for his coastal-inspired motifs. His early designs took inspiration from the Art Nouveau movement and later incorporated themes from the natural world with a modern touch. Formerly located in San Francisco, Arthur Court Designs was acquired by Vagabond House in 2015 after Court's death. The sale, completed by his widow, included its relocation to Los Angeles.

Court's platters aren't only functional — their beachy vibe also translates to being hung on a wall or displayed on a shelf. These rare vintage plates rose in popularity in the 1970s as post-war consumers sought housewares that reflected the booming economy and moved beyond items that were used just out of necessity. A hallmark of Arthur Court's work was the way it combined functionality with a touch of whimsy.

A visit to the thrift store might yield Arthur Court's coveted fish platters if you're lucky, but the collectible dishes can also be found on resale sites like eBay, Etsy, and even Poshmark. Trending on TikTok and Instagram, the fish platters come in different sizes and range in price from around $40 into the hundreds.

The basic design remains fairly unchanged and is still being made today, though in the 1990s Court made platters featuring several intertwined fish. Buyers can check for a stamp on the back of the platter that reads "Arthur Court" and the stamp will also feature the year it was made. With price and authenticity in mind, you can be armed with the best information to start hunting down Arthur Court's collectible 70s platters — unlike some 70s decor choices, Court's platters are one thing we hope makes a comeback.