Question:
Hello,
This is my first post here, so I hope that I am posting it at the correct section. If not, sorry about that!
I was wondering if anyone can tell me about this BIG ashtray and Kitten Pen/Letter holder, such as age (year of making), value and anything else of interest.
The ashtray on the bottom: Freeman-McFarlin Originals, El Monte, California.
And: These Crystal Crackle Jewel Glazes will be artistically enhanced over the years by additional crackling. You will note that some lines have already begun to form. No two pieces will ever be alike.
On the Kitten letter holder is just the word Japan.
Thank you very much in advance,
Vegan Chick
Answer:
What have you learned by searching the keywords on ebay?
I personally know nothing about either type of item, but wanted to respond.
How large are the pieces?
Answer:
Originally Posted by goodworks1 What have you learned by searching the keywords on ebay?
I personally know nothing about either type of item, but wanted to respond.
How large are the pieces? Hi Goodworks.
For the last couple of days I have looked all over eBay, and basically the whole internet for an ashtray like this one, with no luck on finding any information on this type of ashtray. Yes, I found the company's name, but with only types of figurines like small dogs, cats, etc...but no ashtray like this. Could I have a rare find on my hands? The ashtray is alot more beautiful in person. And is flawless.
The ashtray is 15 1/2" long, and the width is 6 1/2".
Kitten: 6" long and 2 1/2" wide.
and BTW, thank you for responding to my first post Goodworks!
Answer:
Hello Vegan Chick
I believe your black cat letter holder is probably from the 1950's. If you search "cat letter holder" on ebay you will find a few examples. This http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-GLASS-SPRING-LETTER-HOLDER-CAT-WITH-OPENER_W0QQitemZ6575182421QQcategoryZ38015QQssPage NameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem ended without a bid. They describe the letter holder as original but I'm almost positive a pen went into that spot and a small sponge for stamps went into the red holder in the front.
I don't know the maker but all of the black cat accessories I've seen are just marked "JAPAN". Unfortunately the letter holders are a little common so they usually sell in the $5 to $10 range. Good luck!
Tanya
Answer:
Yes, the little cat that I have does have a small sponge for stamps in the red holder in the front. I bought the kitten for a quarter.
Thank you for the info mapledr, and you're right, cancer DOES suck!
Answer:
This is just my opinion from my experience in selling the atomic/space age kidney shaped ashtrays from the California potteries. About a year or three ago, they were hot!.......and sold well. Now, the interest seems to have died. Freeman McFarlin does have some pieces that sell really well, but I'll be darned if I can figure out which ones will boom or bust now. I do stay away from the ash trays in general-that is such a nice one, though I'd never put it on ebay now, I'd be tempted to pack it away for awhile till the interest frenzy cycles again.
Answer:
Thank you cariad for the information, and the tip.
I will take your advice.
When these were "hot", what was a reasonable value of these types of ashtrays? And...do you know the year they were made?
Thanks again,
VC