Info:
This antique Italian ashtray, dating to the 1920s, is crafted in brass and distinguished by its sculptural hinged lid formed as a naturalistic fly. The playful yet refined design reflects the decorative character of early 20th-century European metalwork, where even utilitarian smoking accessories were conceived as expressive tabletop objects.
The hinged construction allows the fly element to lift, revealing the ashtray dish beneath—an ingenious combination of function and ornament typical of period novelty pieces. Such items were often produced as conversation pieces for salons and smoking rooms, blending craftsmanship with whimsical realism.
Today, examples of figural brass tobacciana are valued for their patinated surfaces and sculptural quality, functioning equally well as collectors’ objects or decorative accents.
Material:
Cast brass with warm aged patina.
Form:
Figural hinged cover modeled as a fly, opening to a circular ash receptacle. (based on listing imagery)
Construction:
Solid metal body with integrated hinge mechanism, combining durability with decorative modeling typical of early 20th-century novelty design.
Origin:
Italy.
Period:
1920s.
Type:
Table ashtray / tobacciana collectible.
Condition:
Used vintage condition, consistent with age and previous use.
Minor wear, surface marks, and patina are present and contribute to the authenticity and character of the piece.
Info:
This antique Italian ashtray, dating to the 1920s, is crafted in brass and distinguished by its sculptural hinged lid formed as a naturalistic fly. The playful yet refined design reflects the decorative character of early 20th-century European metalwork, where even utilitarian smoking accessories were conceived as expressive tabletop objects.
The hinged construction allows the fly element to lift, revealing the ashtray dish beneath—an ingenious combination of function and ornament typical of period novelty pieces. Such items were often produced as conversation pieces for salons and smoking rooms, blending craftsmanship with whimsical realism.
Today, examples of figural brass tobacciana are valued for their patinated surfaces and sculptural quality, functioning equally well as collectors’ objects or decorative accents.
Material:
Cast brass with warm aged patina.
Form:
Figural hinged cover modeled as a fly, opening to a circular ash receptacle. (based on listing imagery)
Construction:
Solid metal body with integrated hinge mechanism, combining durability with decorative modeling typical of early 20th-century novelty design.
Origin:
Italy.
Period:
1920s.
Type:
Table ashtray / tobacciana collectible.
Condition:
Used vintage condition, consistent with age and previous use.
Minor wear, surface marks, and patina are present and contribute to the authenticity and character of the piece.
