Vintage French Ashtray

A happy find on our most recent market visit to France, classic Vintage Ashtrays produced by esteemed French potteries exclusively for promotional use by brands Berger and Veuve Cliquot, as well as the esteemed Commanderie du Bontemps. These carefully designed signature items may have very different brand sensibilities but all share a commitment to aspirational design and smart function. 

Founded in 1830 as a small distillery, Berger was one of the creators of one of the freshest and most iconic symbols of Provençal culture - pastis. A delightful find for sure, this bright triangular ashtray is glazed in Berger's signature sunny yellow color - a loving nod to its birthplace in the south of France. The perfect souvenir of bistro culture for any Francophile this handsome tray brings a charming pop of color to every setting. A charming spot to corral keys and loose change or rest the wine key and discarded corks, it also makes a fun vessel to display a collection of vintage match books.

Next, from the legacy champagne house founded in 1772 and based in Rheims, Veuve Clicquot, a warm tangerine-hued ashtray featuring the brand's classic label graphic. Through an arranged marriage uniting two major champagne families, Barb-Nicole Ponsardin and François Clicquot wed in 1798 with François assuming control of the family's champagne business in 1801. Following his sudden death in 1805, 27 year-old Barb-Nicole (Ponsardin) Clicquot fought to retain the company. After being forced to undergo an apprenticeship in skills she had long since mastered having grown up working in the family business, she finally won the right to take over her husband's role.

Known as the Veuve (widow) Clicquot, Madame Clicquot is credited with many industry breakthroughs including production of the first known vintage champagne in 1810, inventing the riddling table process to clarify champagne in 1816 and, in 1818, creating the first known blended rosé champagne in a process still used by the majority of champagne producers. During the Napoleonic Wars Madame Clicquot also made strides in establishing Veuve Clicquot in royal courts throughout Europe, notably that of Imperial Russia. She was instrumental in establishing Champagne as a favored drink among high society and nobility throughout Europe, creating a caché for the beverage that continues to this day.

Finally, from one of France's oldest and largest wine brotherhoods, Commanderie du Bontemps, an elegant ashtray in deep crimson with articulated details commemorating the organization's founding. With a long name befitting its wide reach and international sphere of influence, the Commanderie du Bontemps de Médoc et des Graves, et de Sauternes et Barsac brings together the principal players in the Bordeaux wine trade - winegrowers, brokers and merchants. Connected “Everywhere and in the presence of whomever”, as the investiture ritual is pledged, the Brotherhood represents, celebrates and defends not only wine but also a set of values which it holds dear: "friendship, cheerfulness and loyalty to our terroir.”

These visually striking and wonderfully creative ashtrays perfectly capture the energetic yet streamlined essence of mid-century French design. Sure to infuse any setting with soignée style and a touch of glamor, they promise to serve in high style for decades to come.

Each ashtray is strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In very good vintage condition. Please make selection from the drop down menu. Berger Ashtray measures 1.5"H x 5.75"W. Veuve Clicquot measures 1"H x 4.5" in diameter. Commanderie du Bontemps Ashtray measures 1"H.x 4.5" in diameter.