Description
This is a square glazed ceramic cigarette ashtray advertising Player’s No. 3 Extra Size Filter Virginia cigarettes from John Player & Sons. The light-gold backstamp reads “Made in England for Arklow,” and the piece was most likely made by Noritake China for Arklow Pottery, probably circa 1977-1985. It measures about 4.125 inches on each side.
Details
- Maker or brand: Arklow Pottery (the backstamp reads “for Arklow”); most likely made by Noritake China
- Marks: Light-gold backstamp underneath reads “Made in England for,” then “Arklow,” then “An Tseapain Tir A Dheanta,” which is Irish Gaelic for “Made in Japan”
- Printed sides: Two sides read “Player’s No. 3 Extra Size Filter Virginia”; the other two read “A man’s cigarette – and smooth”
- Date or era: Probably circa 1977-1985, during the Noritake China ownership era
- Advertising line: Player’s No. 3 Extra Size cigarettes, John Player & Sons
- Form: Square, cube-shaped cigarette ashtray for barware or tobacciana display
- Materials: Glazed ceramic porcelain in white, red, pea green and yellow-gold
- Dimensions: About 4.125 in. (L) x 4.125 in. (W) x 4.125 in. (H)
- Weight: About 1.4 lb before packing
- Source or provenance: Acquired from an estate
Condition
Used, with wear consistent with its age. Flaws: crazing throughout; a small mark under the glaze on the top inside, which may be a manufacturing flaw (shown in the photos); and overall shelf wear, most noticeable on the base. No chips. No cracks. Colors may vary slightly by screen. Offered as a collectible and decorative piece.
Questions & Answers
What does the mark on the bottom say?
A light-gold backstamp underneath reads “Made in England for,” then “Arklow,” then “An Tseapain Tir A Dheanta,” which is Irish Gaelic for “Made in Japan.” Because the two lines name different countries, the mark alone does not settle where the ashtray was made.
What are the measurements?
About 4.125 inches long, 4.125 inches wide and 4.125 inches high. It weighs about 1.4 pounds before packing.
What is the condition?
No chips or cracks. There is crazing throughout, a small mark under the glaze on the top inside that may be a manufacturing flaw, and overall shelf wear, most noticeable on the base.
How is it shipped?
By USPS from Mauricetown, New Jersey, insured, with tracking emailed when it leaves.
Shipping & Returns
Ships from Mauricetown, New Jersey by USPS, insured, with tracking emailed when it leaves. Orders placed by 11:00 AM Eastern ship the same business day; later orders ship the next business day. If a piece arrives damaged, contact us within 48 hours of delivery and keep all packaging; shipping damage is handled through a carrier insurance claim. If it is materially different from the photos and description, contact us within 48 hours with photos and an explanation; once approved, ship it back within 48 hours after we email our prepaid label, for a refund to your original payment method. Full terms: Shipping & Delivery Policy and Return & Refund Policy.
