Wills's advertising people seemed to have liked producing ashtrays in threes!
Here are six sets, all from Wills's. Each set of three is the same size and pattern and made from the same material.
If you know of any additional items that match any of the sets please let me know.
Here are six sets, all from Wills's. Each set of three is the same size and pattern and made from the same material.
If you know of any additional items that match any of the sets please let me know.
1. Glass ashtrays with cigarette rests on the four corners. Measuring 106mm square and 37mm high. All printing is on the inside. ITC numbers 9963, 9964 and 9965. All from circa 1935. These are not particularly rare and do come up for sale quite often.
2. Frosted glass ashtrays with cigarette rests on the four corners. Measuring 129mm square by 40mm deep. Main printing on the outside. ITC numbers only on inside. ITC numbers 11423, 11424 and 11425. All circa 1938. Rarely, if ever seen for sale.
3. Ceramic ashtrays with three cigarette rests. All the same base colour, cream. Measuring 140mm diameter by 35mm high. ITC number and Made in England printed on base. ITC numbers 12369A, 12963B and 12963C from circa 1939. Can still be found for sale.
4. Plaster/chalk ashtrays with beige/brown mottled outer surface and two cigarette rest. Measuring 160 x 105 x 35mm. These have ITC number ink stamped on base. ITC numbers 13821, 13822 & 13823 (I think as not on Woodbine ashtray) Circa 1948. Can still be found for sale.
5. Clear glass ashtrays with two cigarette rests. All printing on the outside including ITC number. Measuring 127mm diameter by 27mm high these are commonly still found for sale. ITC numbers 14161, 14162 and 14163. Circa 1950.
6. Clear glass ashtray, with outer frosted band on which the text and ITC number is printed. Measuring 136mm diameter by 40mm high these have a central bar with four cigarette rests. They are more substantial than those at 4. above. ITC numbers 15999, 16000 and 16001. Circa 1954. These can still be be found for sale.
and for the gardeners amongst you......here are February's list of tasks to do in the garden.
Not forgetting the important last paragraph....
'Before starting work in the garden see that your pipe is well and truly filled as the state of the soil at this time of the year will soon make your hands unfit to go often to your pockets for pouch or matches - and your pipe is a good companion.'
Not forgetting the important last paragraph....
'Before starting work in the garden see that your pipe is well and truly filled as the state of the soil at this time of the year will soon make your hands unfit to go often to your pockets for pouch or matches - and your pipe is a good companion.'