This is a fabulous piece of 1930s design.
This is a fabulous and indeed rare Art Deco two-rest ashtray.
These two-tone Bakelite ashtrays were best known for their inclusion in the decor of the Cunard Ship, RMS 'Queen Mary' in 1936 and were very Art Deco Moderne in design. These ones were often marked RMS Queen Mary on the flat upright section.
However, the design predated their inclusion on the ship. Originally, they were produced in the early 1930's by the firm, British Buttner & Co. The company mass-produced the shape, in two sizes, one with four rests the large example for cigars & cigarettes, and one with two rests for cigarettes.
My one is definitely a pre-war example - with its flat unadorned base - and probably dates to around 1936. It never seems to have had the world RMS Queen Mary applied to the end.
It is in pretty good vintage condition. There is no discolouration to the white bakelite - and the black bakelite interior is without burns or cigarette marks. There are no chips to the bakelite and it looks great on display. There are, however, little stable hairlines in the area around below the cigarette rest area - I have taken close-ups of this for your inspection. They are stable with no movement and have probably been there for decades now. I have priced this accordingly (the Queen Mary issues usually retail at £100).
Please also see my more unusual black and white Bakelite lidded powder bowl - listed on my site.
This ashtray will be sent to you in the UK with Royal Mail Recorded Post. This will cost £4.95 and applied to your order at the checkout.