Whimsical Art Deco Painted Cast Iron Standing Ashtray With Stylized Sailing Ship Finial

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dragon stand, ; 32" tall, 10" diameter tray

Playful yet refined, this whimsical standing ashtray hails from the golden era … Read more dragon stand, ; 32" tall, 10" diameter tray

Playful yet refined, this whimsical standing ashtray hails from the golden era of decorative utility—likely crafted in the 1930s to 1940s, during the height of the Art Deco movement’s embrace of elegance, novelty, and precision casting. It is a charming artifact of bygone smoking lounges and parlor rooms, now reborn as a sculptural accent with undeniable conversation-starting appeal.

Constructed from solid cast iron, the piece rests on a sturdy tripod base with stylized paw feet, grounding its delicate vertical form. The slender, ribbed column leads to a circular tray platform and rises to a gracefully curled handle-like flourish cradling the ash urn itself. But it's the top finial—a stylized sailing ship with white sails with bold crimson crosses—that steals the show, transforming function into fantasy.

The finish is a warm, rose-gold toned metallic paint, likely updated or refreshed at some point to maintain its luster. The piece balances delicate ornament with industrial strength—a marriage typical of Deco-era castings.

While originally designed as a smoking accessory, this ashtray stands today as a decorative accent. Use it in a powder room, sunroom, or entryway to hold dried florals, potpourri, or simply as sculptural art. Its vertical silhouette makes it perfect for small spaces that crave a touch of historic glamor.

Unlike mass-produced reproductions made of lightweight alloys or resin, this collectible piece’s authentic heft and craftsmanship ensure both presence and permanence. It’s a testament to an era when even the most functional items were given an artistic flourish.

Although barely legible the base has embossed letters that seem to be marked Scroll Art Mfg, Bport, CT, patent applied for. See less