Description
Immense 1930s – 1940s New Martinsville manganese glass cigar ashtray.
This heavy solid glass cigar ashtray was made by New Martinsville Glass Co. before they re-organized into Viking Art Glass. It is adorned with the original Hughes Cornflower cut. Very, very unusual.
The glass has an manganese mineral content and glows vivid yellow/green under ultra violet light (blacklight). Manganese was used in old glass to increase it’s strength and clarity in times when lead was scarce. This item is colorless (clear, transparent glass) when not lit by blacklight.
Manganese is the ingredient that turns glass slightly purple over time. If this ashtray were to be set in direct sunlight for an extended time, it would gradually turn more and more purple. At this time there is barely a trace of a hint of purple, nice quality, clear glass.
The breathtaking art deco form can be found in Viking Art Glass references, part no. 1101. Viking made these in bright colors. This is the first we’ve seen in this form with an etched decor. The Cornflower etching is on all three exterior sides points to pre 1940, made by New Martinsville
.
Huge ashtray measures 10″ long per side. It is 1″ larger on each side than the 1960s Viking cataloged size of 9″. It weighs 5 pounds. Stands 3″ tall. Large enough to hold three big cigars very comfortably.
