The pictures show views of this Old Copper Art Deco or Arts & Crafts Match Holder & Dispenser Ash Tray. This match dispenser ashtray is not dated but it is old. It is not marked and the maker is unknown. It is made entirely of copper and has an art deco or arts & crafts half circle design on the match box holder and the ash tray below. Two views are shown. There is a recessed screw in the bottom of the center post holding it in place. This is not an ashtray made to hold or leave a cigar, cigarette, or pipe (although it could). There are no slots. It would be for an area where one would be lit, such as a hotel lobby, bar, tavern (of the past), or a store counter. There is a section inside at the bottom of the matchbox holder that slides inside the match box when you push it down to hold it open to expose the matches for access and use. The tray at the bottom is for ashes, but also a place to discard the spent match. The sides of the match holder are opened to expose the match striker on the side of the box. The old cardboard match box that is pictured is included. It is full of red and purple tipped wooden matches. The two sides are the same and both are pictured below. They feature an image of a Native American Indian with a headdress and crossed native pipes. It is marked on the two sides as follows: DIAMOND COPPERHEAD 34 STRIKE ON BOX MATCHES MADE IN U.S.A. DIAMOND INTERNATIONAL CORP. DIAMOND MATCH DIVISION NEW YORK, N.Y. 10017 To judge the sizes the copper ashtray & dispenser measures 4-1/2'' x 3-3/4''. It appears to be in excellent used condition with an aged patina to the copper as pictured. It could use a cleaning but that will be left for the buyer to decide. The old matchbox appears to be in excellent condition as well, and as mentioned above, it is full of wooden matches. |