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Lot # 186311
Collection of Mid-Century Hotel, Casino & Restaurant Advertising Ashtrays View Watchlist >
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2 Days, 16:44:06
Current Price
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$55.00
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Lot # 186311
System ID # 19901403
Start Date
End Date
9 Watching
Description
A group of approximately twenty vintage advertising ashtrays and hospitality promotional items, dating from the mid-20th century (c. 1950s–1980s), in glass, ceramic, and stamped aluminum. The collection features prominently California-associated establishments including Frank Fat's of Sacramento (806 L Street; a James Beard 'America's Classic' award recipient and the oldest family-owned restaurant in the city), Tom Ham's Lighthouse of Harbor Island, San Diego (the restaurant building incorporates a functioning U.S. Coast Guard beacon, Beacon #9), the Marines Memorial Club of San Francisco (established 1946 as a living memorial for World War II veterans), the Berkeley House Motor Hotel, and International Arcade Travel of Oakland (the 'TE 6-1566' telephone number employing the Templebar exchange indicates a pre-1970s date for that piece). Casino and hotel properties represented include Harrah's Hotels and Casinos (Reno and Lake Tahoe), Harvey's Lake Tahoe, the Landmark Hotel (Las Vegas, 1969–1990), Hilton, Ramada Inn, Travelodge, and the Westin Bonaventure (opened 1976). Restaurant and chain examples include Hobo Joe's (the mascot designed by former Disney animator Jim Casey in the 1960s), Kona Tiki at the Americana Hotel (a representative example of the Polynesian Pop movement in mid-century hotel dining), Casey's Restaurant, Perdita's of Charleston, and Chez Paul. A stamped aluminum McDonald's ashtray bearing the embossed Golden Arches logo is of the disposable type commonly distributed in the chain's dining rooms during the 1970s and early 1980s, prior to the widespread adoption of indoor smoking prohibitions. Glass examples are unmarked; produced by major U.S. glass manufacturers of the period, though specific maker attributions are unconfirmed. Construction techniques include pressed and molded glass, glazed ceramic with transfer-printed decoration, and die-stamped aluminum. The collection documents the broad commercial practice of branded tobacciana as promotional material across the American hospitality industry. Condition is generally good and consistent with age; minor surface wear to printed graphics is possible across the group.
Estimate
$100 - $250
Dimensions
Largest circle ash tray: 6.5" Dia; Largest square ash tray: 5"
Condition
Good: Used; shows normal signs of wear but no significant damage.