Mid-Century Modern Brass and Wood Cigar Ashtray, c. 1940s-1960s

Welcome to Pipe Collectors Encyclopedia, your premier destination for museum-quality estate pipes with comprehensive historical and technical documentation. IDENTIFICATION This is a functional tobacciana accessory rather than a pipe, but represents an important category within smoking collectibles. The piece is a rectangular cigar ashtray combining brass inlay work with stained wood framing, dating to the mid-twentieth century. Maker unknown; no manufacturer marks present. The design exemplifies Mid-Century Modern aesthetic principles applied to smoking accessories. HISTORICAL CONTEXT Cigar ashtrays emerged as prestige smoking accessories during the rise of commercial cigar culture in the late nineteenth century. By the 1940s-1960s, designers began applying Modernist principles to smoking accessories, emphasizing clean geometry, functional beauty, and material contrast. This piece reflects that era's design philosophy: materials honestly displayed, form following function, and the elevation of everyday objects to design statements. Tobacciana collecting encompasses pipes, lighters, humidors, cigar cutters, and ashtrays - all valued for craftsmanship and historical documentation. GRADING & MARKS - No manufacturer hallmark, maker unidentified - Brass inlay work throughout - Wood grain stain in deep brown tone - Matte black finish on exterior sides and underside - No country of origin marking visible - Overall condition: Museum-grade functional piece SHAPE ANALYSIS Rectangular form with integrated brass design elements. The ashtray features a concentric brass well design: inner circle approximately 2 to 2.5 inches diameter, outer brass radius approximately 3 inches. A straight groove or cigar rest extends from the center of the brass circle to the top edge, spanning approximately 3 inches in length. BRIAR & FINISH This is not a briar pipe but a wooden-framed accessory. The frame displays a rich deep brown wood grain stain, likely applied over a hardwood substrate. The brass accents remain in polished condition with natural patina. The matte black finish on sides and bottom provides striking visual contrast to the wood and brass. CONDITION REPORT Overall condition: Excellent to Near Mint. No significant damage reported. Brass shows appropriate age patina. Wood finish intact with no major scratches or gouges. Heat-resistant surface shows minimal use wear. This piece functions as intended and displays beautifully. DIMENSIONS - Overall length: 6.5 inches - Width: 3.75 inches - Height: 1.25 inches - Inner brass circle diameter: 2 to 2.5 inches - Outer brass radius: 3 inches - Cigar rest groove length: 3 inches - Weight: to be confirmed CLOSING This mid-century smoking accessory ships from the Faridunhill archive with full documentation and worldwide delivery available. Professional conservation and sanitation completed. SKU: SKU-332