{"product_id":"mid-century-expandable-cast-aluminum-trivet-c-1950s-1960s","title":"Mid-Century Expandable Cast Aluminum Trivet, c. 1950s–1960s","description":"\u003ch2 data-end=\"303\" data-start=\"291\"\u003eThe Piece\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"500\" data-start=\"305\"\u003eMid-century expandable trivet\u003cbr data-end=\"337\" data-start=\"334\"\u003eArticulating cast-aluminum construction with non-slip feet\u003cbr data-end=\"398\" data-start=\"395\"\u003eAdjustable hot-plate stand for variable cookware sizes\u003cbr data-end=\"455\" data-start=\"452\"\u003eUnited States, circa 1950s–1960s (attributed)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"505\" data-start=\"502\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"529\" data-start=\"507\"\u003ePrimary Description\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1079\" data-start=\"531\"\u003eThis expandable trivet is constructed from multiple cast-aluminum lattice segments joined by pinned articulation points, allowing the form to expand, compress, and reconfigure into different footprints. The geometry is modular: repeating cross-joints and rectangular apertures shift relative to one another as the pinned connections rotate, creating an adjustable platform that can be widened for larger cookware or tightened for smaller vessels. The overall effect is mechanical rather than decorative, with function dictating the visual language.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1578\" data-start=\"1081\"\u003eUnderside feet elevate the trivet slightly and help stabilize it on the surface, minimizing slip during placement and use. Cast directional arrows and orientation cues appear on select segments, indicating alignment during expansion and re-folding. This type of adjustability is consistent with the broader category of “adjustable trivets,” engineered specifically to support various cookware dimensions through sliding\/interlocking or articulated structures. \u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ehttps:\/\/patents.google.com\/patent\/US6000666?utm_source=chatgpt.com\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"1583\" data-start=\"1580\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"1602\" data-start=\"1585\"\u003eDesign Context\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2001\" data-start=\"1604\"\u003eExpandable trivets sit at the intersection of domestic utility and post-war problem-solving design: one object engineered to adapt rather than be replaced. The adjustable trivet concept is well documented in patent literature, where the core objective is explicitly stated: to accommodate \u003cstrong data-end=\"1922\" data-start=\"1893\"\u003evarious sizes of cookware\u003c\/strong\u003e using a mechanically adaptable platform. \u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2430\" data-start=\"2003\"\u003eMaterial choice matters here. Aluminum’s broader shift into consumer and household goods accelerated after WWII as manufacturing capacity and material familiarity moved from wartime applications into domestic production. Contemporary materials literature and industrial history specifically identify aluminum as a major presence in household goods and appliances in the mid-century period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2430\" data-start=\"2003\"\u003ehttps:\/\/patents.google.com\/patent\/US6000666?utm_source=chatgpt.com\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"2435\" data-start=\"2432\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"2466\" data-start=\"2437\"\u003eMaterials and Construction\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3108\" data-start=\"2468\"\u003eThe trivet appears to be cast aluminum or an aluminum alloy (confirmed by passing a magnet test; aluminum is non-ferromagnetic). The segments show casting texture and soft edge transitions consistent with molded manufacture rather than machined fabrication. Joints are assembled with pins and connecting rods that allow controlled movement between segments. This construction approach aligns with the functional logic documented in adjustable trivet design descriptions: mechanical adjustability achieved through interlocking\/sliding components or articulated structure rather than a fixed rigid stand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3108\" data-start=\"2468\"\u003ehttps:\/\/patents.google.com\/patent\/US6000666?utm_source=chatgpt.com\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"3113\" data-start=\"3110\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"3136\" data-start=\"3115\"\u003eHistorical Context\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3600\" data-start=\"3138\"\u003eMid-century domestic objects frequently prioritized adaptability, storage efficiency, and multi-use engineering, particularly in kitchens where one surface often served multiple functions. Aluminum as a consumer material fits that same mid-century trajectory: it was increasingly common across household goods and appliances, valued for its weight, manufacturability, and broad adoption in consumer production after the war. https:\/\/dl.asminternational.org\/technical-books\/monograph\/189\/chapter\/3771771\/Aluminum-in-Household-Goods-and-Appliances?utm_source=chatgpt.com\u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3776\" data-start=\"3602\"\u003eThis piece reflects that moment: an adjustable heat-stand designed to solve practical serving and cookware needs through a flexible footprint rather than a single fixed size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"3781\" data-start=\"3778\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"3803\" data-start=\"3783\"\u003eCondition + Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3893\" data-start=\"3805\"\u003eThis trivet presents in good functional condition with wear consistent with age and use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4163\" data-start=\"3895\"\u003e→ Cast surface wear and oxidation consistent with handling and storage\u003cbr data-end=\"3968\" data-start=\"3965\"\u003e→ Pins, joints, and connectors appear intact and functional\u003cbr data-end=\"4030\" data-start=\"4027\"\u003e→ Non-slip feet present (minor wear expected)\u003cbr data-end=\"4078\" data-start=\"4075\"\u003e→ No evidence of structural failure at the pivot points visible in the provided views\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"4168\" data-start=\"4165\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"4188\" data-start=\"4170\"\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"4587\" data-start=\"4190\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"4228\" data-start=\"4190\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4228\" data-start=\"4192\"\u003eOrigin: United States (attributed)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"4269\" data-start=\"4229\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4269\" data-start=\"4231\"\u003eDate: Circa 1950s–1960s (attributed)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"4329\" data-start=\"4270\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4329\" data-start=\"4272\"\u003eMaterial: Cast aluminum \/ aluminum alloy (non-magnetic)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"4394\" data-start=\"4330\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4394\" data-start=\"4332\"\u003eConstruction: Pinned articulated joints with connecting rods\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"4457\" data-start=\"4395\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4457\" data-start=\"4397\"\u003eForm: Expandable \/ reconfigurable trivet (hot-plate stand)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"4505\" data-start=\"4458\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4505\" data-start=\"4460\"\u003eFeatures: Orientation arrows; non-slip feet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"4587\" data-start=\"4506\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4587\" data-start=\"4508\"\u003eCondition: Good vintage condition with surface wear consistent with age and use\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"4592\" data-start=\"4589\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"4624\" data-start=\"4594\"\u003eWhy It Belongs in Your Home\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"5034\" data-start=\"4626\"\u003eThis is a utilitarian object with an architectural logic. When folded, it reads as an abstract lattice; when expanded, it becomes a functional platform engineered to accommodate real use. It works as a serving companion for hot cookware, but it also functions as a tactile design object that rewards interaction. The material honesty matters: aluminum and mechanical articulation are the point, not ornament.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"5039\" data-start=\"5036\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"5067\" data-start=\"5041\"\u003eFrom Viridian Eclection\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"5433\" data-start=\"5069\"\u003eViridian selects objects that hold up under inspection: construction that makes sense, materials that belong to their era, and form that reflects purpose. This trivet was selected for its modular engineering and its connection to mid-century domestic design priorities: adaptability, efficiency, and durable everyday function. \u003cspan data-state=\"closed\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"5433\" data-start=\"5069\"\u003ehttps:\/\/patents.google.com\/patent\/US6000666?utm_source=chatgpt.com\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"5860\" data-end=\"5870\"\u003eSources\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"5872\" data-end=\"6545\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"5872\" data-end=\"6026\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5874\" data-end=\"6026\"\u003e“Adjustable trivet” (patent description of an adjustable trivet designed to accommodate various cookware sizes). \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"142\" data-end=\"185\"\u003e\u003ca data-start=\"142\" data-end=\"185\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/patents.google.com\/patent\/US6000666?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003ehttps:\/\/patents.google.com\/patent\/US6000666\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\"\u003e\u003cuse fill=\"currentColor\" href=\"\/cdn\/assets\/sprites-core-c9exbsc1.svg#304883\"\u003e\u003c\/use\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"187\" data-end=\"230\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"6027\" data-end=\"6166\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6029\" data-end=\"6166\"\u003e“Improvement in trivets” (historic patent describing adjustable trivet function and compactness). \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\nhttps:\/\/patents.google.com\/patent\/US127266A\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"5872\" data-end=\"6545\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"6167\" data-end=\"6283\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6169\" data-end=\"6283\"\u003eASM International (chapter on aluminum in household goods and appliances). \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"232\" data-end=\"309\"\u003e\u003ca data-start=\"232\" data-end=\"309\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\"\u003ehttps:\/\/dl.asminternational.org\/technical-books\/monograph\/189\/chapter\/3771771\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\"\u003e\u003cuse fill=\"currentColor\" href=\"\/cdn\/assets\/sprites-core-c9exbsc1.svg#304883\"\u003e\u003c\/use\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"6284\" data-end=\"6409\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6286\" data-end=\"6409\"\u003eAluminum Association history PDF (post-war development and increased aluminum use). \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"311\" data-end=\"406\"\u003e\u003ca data-start=\"311\" data-end=\"406\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aluminum.org\/sites\/default\/files\/2023-05\/Aluminum_Association_History_1930-1981.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.aluminum.org\/sites\/default\/files\/2023-05\/Aluminum_Association_History_1930-1981.pdf\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\"\u003e\u003cuse fill=\"currentColor\" href=\"\/cdn\/assets\/sprites-core-c9exbsc1.svg#304883\"\u003e\u003c\/use\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"408\" data-end=\"482\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"6410\" data-end=\"6545\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"6412\" data-end=\"6545\"\u003eDocomomo US (context on aluminum and stainless as dominant post-war metals into early 1950s). \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"408\" data-end=\"482\"\u003e\u003ca data-start=\"408\" data-end=\"482\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.docomomo-us.org\/news\/aluminum-finishes-in-postwar-architecture?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.docomomo-us.org\/news\/aluminum-finishes-in-postwar-architecture\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ms-0.5 inline-block align-middle leading-none\"\u003e\u003csvg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-rtl-flip=\"\" class=\"block h-[0.75em] w-[0.75em] stroke-current stroke-[0.75]\"\u003e\u003cuse fill=\"currentColor\" href=\"\/cdn\/assets\/sprites-core-c9exbsc1.svg#304883\"\u003e\u003c\/use\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"5438\" data-start=\"5435\"\u003e","brand":"Viridian Eclection","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42885062164585,"sku":null,"price":70.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0651\/0093\/9369\/files\/ABBE4A1C-FD57-4BC0-AF8F-552FE19989C9_1_201_a.jpg?v=1770194668","url":"https:\/\/viridianeclection.com\/products\/mid-century-expandable-cast-aluminum-trivet-c-1950s-1960s","provider":"Viridian Eclection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}