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Classic Mid-Century Modern Salem China Co. Ohio Porcelain Ribbed Rim Ashtray
Classic Mid-Century Modern Salem China Co. Ohio Porcelain Ribbed Rim Ashtray
Classic Mid-Century Modern Salem China Co. Ohio Porcelain Ribbed Rim Ashtray
Classic Mid-Century Modern Salem China Co. Ohio Porcelain Ribbed Rim Ashtray
Classic Mid-Century Modern Salem China Co. Ohio Porcelain Ribbed Rim Ashtray

Classic Mid-Century Modern Salem China Co. Ohio Porcelain Ribbed Rim Ashtray

$ 10.49

Availability: 52 in stock
  • Condition: In very good condition with one small chip on the outside edge.
  • Object Type: Ashtray
  • Style: Mid-Century Modern
  • Brand: Salem
  • Color: White
  • All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted

    Description

    The Salem China Company got its start in Salem, Ohio, in 1898 as this ashtray says. It peaked in popularity in the years after World War I, firing some 25,000 pieces per day with the help of over 500 employees in 1930. Many of its distinctive shapes during the 1930s and 1940s were created by designer Vicktor Schreckengost. They included Tricorne, an art deco triangle shape introduced in the 1930s, Free Form, a mid-century modern design produced starting in the late 1940s, and Biscayne, a late 1950s MCM design that featured the decade’s most popular color, turquoise. Main Street was a square coupe shape produced in the 1950s vaguely like Fiestaware. It was sold by Sears under the Main Street/Harmony House back stamp.
    Salem stopped producing product in 1967, selling off its remaining stock over several years thereafter. The growing popularity of plastic dinnerware and more casual dining was to blame, but so was the fact that Salem specialized in inexpensive porcelain for the mass market and never had a devoted upper-class clientele like dinnerware companies such as Weller.
    This isn’t a piece of dinnerware even though it was most certainly produced by Salem. It’s a 5 inch (13 cm) diameter ashtray, with Salem’s emblem in the middle. On the back is the name of the wholesaler who almost certainly sold Salem to New York City retailers such as Macy's or Gimbals. The 5-digit phone number indicates that it was made before the mid-1960s, probably before, before the phone company went to 7-digit local numbers. The ashtray is in very good condition with only one, very small chip along the edge below the emblem. Otherwise, no cracks, breaks, dings, or other chips inside or along the ribbed rim. Afectionadoes of Salem China will love this ashtray, even if you don’t smoke. Use it for paperclips or change from your purse or pocket, or put it in a small stand next to your display of Salem China. Shipped free in the US. Check out our other advertising collectibles at
    www.ebay.com/str/agitpropshoppe
    EE29504