This is a heavy weight glass cigar ash tray still sold by Comoy’s of London. (Comoy’s pipes are highly collectable and desired due to their exceptional stained finish, which highlighted the grain figuring of the briar, and for their distinctive, well-balanced style.) In addition to pipes, tobacco, snuff and cigars, the store also sells accessories, such as ash trays.
I have no doubt that similar ones are still in drawing rooms of exclusive British gentlemen’s clubs throughout the original empire.
It probably was on the side table in The Reform Club in London where Philias Fogg made his famous wager that he could circle the globe in 80 days.
WHAT IS IT?
(Editor’s note: Palisades resident Howard Yonet has an interesting collection of curios from around the world and with his permission, Circling the News is publishing one a week. About the collector: Dr. Howard Yonet was born in Brooklyn in 1934 and attended Brooklyn College. He went to Baylor Medical School and then returned to do an internship at Bellevue Hospital. Yonet completed his residency at the Manhattan V.A. and the Montefiore Hospital. During this time he went skiing in Vermont and the Catskills, and while traveling found barns filled with early American pieces. This led to his interest in American Antiques.
In 1965, he married Daniele, who was originally from Nancy, France. During the Vietnam War, Yonet was drafted as a medical officer and stationed in Landstuhl, Germany (1966-1969). This was close to the French border, which meant he and Daniele and could visit her family.
While abroad, the Yonets took weekend trips through France and Italy, purchasing many interesting pieces at flea markets.
The family settled in Pacific Palisades in 1970 and Yonet practiced general radiology until 2006. He continued to acquire antiques and collectables at estate and garage sales and the Salvation Army Store. He also enjoyed looking for collectibles while traveling in Montana, Idaho, Colorado and Massachusetts. Daniele’s family helped add to his collection.)
Very interesting.
Very interesting images and explanation as are all of your “What Is it?” postings!