Thinking of throwing away that old ashtray? Think again! Antique ashtrays are not just just today; they are highly collectible, with some rare examples fetching thousands, like the rare Marilyn Monroe’s personal swan-shaped ashtray that sold for a stunning price of over $10,200!
In this guide, I’ll show you the 10 most valuable vintage ashtrays, which are worth a lot of money today. You’ll also learn how to identify a valuable antique ashtray and what makes them so valuable today.
What Makes an Antique Ashtray Valuable?
Ashtrays have been a common household item since the early 19th century. So, clearly there are countless examples out there. Not all vintage ashtrays are equally valuable today; while some are worth only $10-50, other, rarer examples can fetch not hundreds but thousands!
Certain factors decide whether a vintage ashtray is valuable or not, and if it is, then how much it’s worth. Let’s understand them below:
1. Materials
From the late 19th century to the late 20th century, different materials have been used to make ashtrays. Today, the material plays a significant role in dating, identity, and deciding the piece’s worth.
- Glass: Glass has been easily the most popular material for ashtrays over the years. Many renowned brands produced high-quality glass ashtrays, which are highly collectible today.
- Crystal: Crystal ashtrays from brands like Baccarat, Lalique, and Daum can command premium prices today.
- Porcelain: Antique ashtrays made of high-quality porcelain are highly sought-after, especially in good condition.
- Ceramic: Ceramic ashtrays were popular in the 19th century and early 20th century. Rare examples or those made by prestigious manufacturers, such as McCarty and Bitossi Ceramiche, are worth a fortune today.
- Silver: Naturally, silver ashtrays, especially from renowned brands, such as Tiffany & Co., can also fetch hundreds to a few thousand dollars today.
- Wood: While less popular than metal and glass, wood ashtrays, particularly those made for premium cigars, can be highly prized today.
- Bakelite: Bakelite ashtrays came into existence in the 20th century as a more functional, practical, and affordable option. These examples are generally less valuable for collectors.
2. Rarity
The rarer an ashtray is, the more sought-after and valuable it is. But how would you know which example is rare? Understanding the common types will help you:
Promotional Ashtrays
These ashtrays were mainly produced by manufacturers (or popular merchandise, like hotels and restaurants) for promotional purposes. They often prominently display the brand/company’s logo. Such examples are rather rare today.
Limited Edition
Ashtrays that were only produced in a small number or for a very short time are considered rare. For instance, if an ashtray were made by a company that shut after a short time, it would be a highly rare example.
Experimental Designs
Experimental pieces were made to try out a new design or colors. These could also be a prototype design for a specific ashtray line that never made it into manufacturing. Such pieces can be highly rare and valuable.
Discontinued Designs
Generally, when the production of a certain ashtray design stops, the existing pieces with that design become rare and valuable. To check this, refer to the brand’s database to see the time duration a specific design was made for.
Unique Shapes & Features
Old ashtrays with unusual designs deviating from the conventional designs are considered highly rare. For example, mechanized ashtrays with push-buttons, standing floor ashtrays, and self-balancing rolling ashtrays are worth a lot these days.
Brand & Designer Influence
Authentic antique ashtrays made by famous brands and designers are more valuable than others. Some renowned names in the world of ashtrays are:
- Lalique
- Baccarat
- Murano
- Orrefors
- Tiffany & Co.
- Cartier
- Limoges
- Saint Louis
3. Condition
Naturally, the better the condition a vintage ashtray displays, the higher values it will fetch. Even a rare antique ashtray can lose its worth if it’s heavily chipped, cracked, or worn. Similarly, old ashtrays with missing parts and heavy discoloration will be valued less.
However, not all signs are negative. For instance, if antique metal ashtrays have natural patina on them, it’s a sign of aging and authenticity. Similarly, light scratches (not chips or cracks) on glass and crystal ashtrays are fine, too.
4. Original Box and Paperwork
The presence of the original box and paperwork, such as the manual or brand label, can add to the value of an old ashtray. These additions are significant authenticators and, hence, collectors often pay higher amounts if the ashtray comes in the original box, especially in good condition.
10 Most Valuable Vintage Ashtrays Worth Collecting
Below are the 10 rarest and most valuable antique ashtrays that have been sold for eye-popping prices!
1. Antique USSR Bronze Handmade Ashtray
This is a rare antique handmade USSR bronze ashtray in the shape of a shoe. It was sold on eBay for an eye-popping price of over $49,500. It’s a heavy artifact weighing about 635 grams, and its bronze composition adds to its value.
2. Tiffany & Co. Greek Sterling Silver Ashtray
Tiffany & Co.’s sterling silver ashtrays are generally valuable, but this rare example is a masterpiece. Made during 1900-1940, this heavy ashtray is shaped as an Ancient Greek Satyr mask with inlaid light blue glass eyes and a big open mouth, looking quite dramatic.
The bottom markings “Tiffany & Co Makers/Sterling Silver/21804/C” authenticate the piece and also add to its sky-high value.
3. McCarty Mississippi Power Lines Ashtray
Just like its name, this McCarty ashtray features handpainted on the white background. This rare piece was reportedly made by Lee McCarty for Baxter Wilson as a Christmas present to his friends, as denoted by the marking at the bottom, “greetings from Baxter Wilson Christmas 1955/McCarty.”
4. Holt Howard Santa North Pole Jet Stream Ashtray
This is a special Hold Howard Christmas-edition ashtray featuring a Santa on the render-headed plane. A rare piece due to its limited edition. The ashtray displays the words “North Pole Jet Stream” on both sides and the number “6074” on the bottom, which could indicate the item or pattern number.
5. Belmet Rollodor Rolling Cigar Ashtray
This is a rare movable, self-balancing cigar ashtray featuring a chrome and wooden body. Produced by Belmet Products in 1929, this unique ashtray always stays upright despite being able to move with a slight push.
The ashtray features a smart mechanism that lets you push the top to drop the ashes into the wooden cup. This rare antique ashtray is worth $500-1,000 today, depending on the condition.
6. Baccarat Crystal Havana Ashtray
This is one of the most collectible ashtrays made by Baccarat during the Art Deco period, as depicted by its sleek design. It’s a crystal ashtray with deep rests especially made for a Havana cigar. For authenticity, look for an impressed backstamp.
This vintage ashtray can sell for $600-$1,200, depending on the condition and the presence of original boxes.
7. Armor Bronze Corp 1927 Art Deco
Another rare Art Deco example, this one is a small and sleek ashtray featuring a nude figure of a dancing woman. It’s primarily made of a bronze-clad material, giving it a substantial weight. You’ll also find an “Armor Bronze” back stamp on the bottom. This classic piece sold for $450 on eBay!
8. Chinese Theme Cast Iron Dunhill Ashtray
This rare Chinese-themed ashtray is made by Dunhill. It features a round and heavy cast iron body with an engraved design. There’s also a handled lid with a rotating underlid connected via a spring on the inside. At the bottom, you’ll find the engraved “Alfred Dunhill” marking.
9. Lalique Frosted Crystal Ashtray
Lalique frosted crystal ashtrays are quite rare and valuable. This is a rare set comprising a crystal ashtray, a cigarette holder, and a lighter that sold for almost $400 on eBay. All three pieces of the set feature a lion face on the side and a “Lalique” marking on the bottom.
10. Hotel Ritz Paris Ashtray
This rare vintage ceramic ashtray is an example of promotional pieces as it was made by French artist R. Delaunay for Hotel Ritz, Paris, for its guests.
It’s a simple hexagonal white ashtray with gold insignia of Hotel Ritz and a gold rim. The bottom shows “Hotel/Ritz/Paris/” and “R. Delaunay/St Uze/Drome” markings.
How to Identify & Date Antique Ashtrays?
Identifying an antique ashtray requires keen attention to its design details, which include the patterns, colors, shapes, materials, and markings. Here’s how:
1. Design & Era-Specific Features
The design aesthetics of each ashtray is a reflection of the period in which it was made. So, identifying these design styles can help you trace the manufacturing date or age of your piece.
Art Nouveau Ashtrays (1890s – 1910s)
Antique ashtrays from the Art Nouveau era are considered highly valuable, as most of them were handmade and made of delicate materials like porcelain and ceramic. Metals, like brass, bronze, and cast iron, were also common in their era.
The designs of Art Nouveau ashtrays featured floral motifs, vines, and curved designs, often inspired by nature.
Art Deco Ashtrays (1920s-1930s)
Antique ashtrays made during the Art Deco period typically feature simple geometric shapes, clean lines, and simple designs such as stepped or sunburst patterns. These designs appear to reflect Hollywood Glamour style, which was gaining popularity in the ’20s.
Moreover, Art Deco ashtrays were made with less luxurious materials, including chrome, glass, and Bakelite.
Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays (1930s-1950s)
This era saw a transition in ashtrays in terms of simplicity and functionality. Mid-century modern ashtrays generally display ever simpler patterns, like sleek lines, checks, boomerang shapes, starbursts, and asymmetrical designs in vibrant colors, such as mustard yellow, burnt orange, and green.
Besides, these ashtrays use a variety of materials, ranging from acrylic, Lucite, melamine, and molded plastic to stainless steel.
Novelty Ashtrays (1940s – 1970s)
Novelty ashtrays were more on the optimistic side, as reflected by their abstract and playful designs. From everyday objects, such as chunky playing cards and animal shapes, to examples with pop-culture references, like celebrity faces, became popular.
2. Brand Markings
Since the early 19th century, several glassmakers and manufacturers have produced ashtrays. Identifying the markings can provide solid clues about their manufacturer, origin, and occasionally even the manufacturing year.
- Brand Logos: The most obvious and authentic marking to look for is the brand logo. These marks could be distinctive logos or symbols, brand names, and initials. Most prestigious brands, like Lalique and Baccarat, are easily identified by their logos.
- Date Codes: Some brands also added a unique numerical code to their ashtrays. These numbers could indicate the manufacturing year of the piece or the number of items of a specific line.
- Purity Marks: Applicable for sterling silver ashtrays, these marks authenticate the purity of silver content in the pieces.
