Lot 181: A Collection of Wills's Ceramic Advertising Ashtrays
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A set of five circular glazed ceramic advertising ashtrays produced for W.D. & H.O. Wills. Each piece features a distinct monochrome glaze and transfer-printed branding for cigarette lines including Gold Flake, “Star” Cigarettes, Woodbines, and Capstan. The forms include three molded cigarette rests to the rim. The bases feature a printed factory mark in a circular cartouche comprising a monogram of the letters C and W, used by Carlton Ware. The underside of each piece bears a printed pattern number: the light blue example is marked 8879A, the yellow is 8878, the green is 9965A, the orange is 9966A, and the white/pale blue is 8879. Each base also features a circular stamp reading MADE IN ENGLAND with a central O.
Each ashtray measures approximately 10.5 cm in diameter.
Condition report:
The yellow Gold Flake example displays dense, pronounced glaze crazing across the interior and exterior surfaces (photo 1). The orange \"Star\" Cigarettes ashtray shows central staining and localized glaze scuffing to the well (photo 1). The light blue Capstan example has minor surface grime and light internal staining (photo 2). The green Woodbines and white Capstan examples appear in generally good condition with only minor surface scratches and typical shelf wear to the unglazed foot rims. No structural cracks or major chips are visible to the set.
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