Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2020.FIC.070 |
Object Name |
Ashtray |
Title |
National Ceramic Company White Ashtray |
Description |
The object is a white, rectangular-shaped ashtray featuring two square indentations on the right and left sides, designed for placing cigarettes. On the back of the ashtray, there is an embossed inscription that occupies most of the space. The inscription reads: "PLACE CIGARETTE IN GROOVE. WILL SNUFF OUT AT EDGE. PROTECTS YOUR FURNITURE. G-03. GUARDSMAN T.M. REG. Safety (this portion of the inscription is written in script). ASH TRAY. U.S. PAT. OFF. NATIONAL CERAMIC CO. TRENTON. N.J. U.S. PAT. 2.184.994. U.S. PAT. D-83519." Additionally, there are four raised circles, one located at each of the back corners of the ashtray. According to the Potteries of Trenton Society, the Brick and Clay Record, and Harry Rinkler of Worthpoint, the National Ceramic Company-sometimes referred to as the General Chinaware Company-was founded either in 1906 or 1918. They purchased the former Willets Manufacturing Company Plant in either 1906 or 1922. Initially, the company was primarily known for manufacturing electrical porcelain. In 1963, it was bought by a former employee and renamed the National Ceramic Company. The company continued to operate under this name until 2002. Citations: Rinkler, H. (n.d.). Willets Manufacturing Company - Guide to value, Marks, history | worthpoint dictionary. Worthpoint. https://www.worthpoint.com/dictionary/p/ceramics/na--united-states/willets-manufacturing-company National Porcelain Company. Potteries of Trenton Society. (n.d.-f). https://potteriesoftrentonsociety.org/research/records/national-porcelain-company/ "New Concern Absorbs Willets Pottery." 1922. Brick and Clay Record 60 (3):214. |
Year Range from |
1963 |
Year Range to |
2002 |
Material |
Ceramic |
Artist |
National Ceramic Company |
Height (in) |
1.000 |
Length (in) |
3.000 |
Width (in) |
2.250 |
Condition |
Okay |
Condition Notes |
Overall: Abrasions and accretions throughout. Front: There are abrasions on the corners. Right Side: There is nothing of note. Back: There are a couple of tiny black accretions on the bottom near the middle. Also, there are abrasions on the corners. Left Side: There is a black accretion on the center near the middle. Top: There are black accretions all around the edges. There is wear around the indentations. And finally, there is an abrasion on the bottom near the left edge. Bottom: There is wear all over. Also, the inscription is faded |
Inscription Type |
Manufacturer's Mark |
Inscription Location |
Bottom, Top to Bottom, Left to Right |
Inscription Technique |
Embossed |
Inscription Text |
"PLACE CIGARETTE" Line 1 "IN GROOVE. WILL SNUFF OUT" Line 2 "AT EDGE. PROTECTS YOUR FURNITURE." Line 3 "G-03" Line 4 'GUARDSMAN Safety ASH TRAY" Line 5 "T.M. REG U.S. PAT. OFF." Line 6 "NATIONAL CERAMIC CO." Line 7 "TRENTON. N.J." Line 8 "U.S. PAT. 2.184.944" Line 9 "U.S. PAT. D-83519" Line 10 |
Classification |
Domestic Life/Household Goods Business & Commerce |
Subjects |
Cigarette industry Cigarettes Ceramic Industry |
Search Terms |
Ceramic Cigarettes Ashtray 1963 2002 20th Century 21st Century White National Porcelain Company General Chinaware Company Guardsman 2.184.994 D-83515 National Ceramic Company White Ashtray |
Provenance |
Found in collection |