Description
Rare King’s Crown ashtray in Plum made in 1961 and discontinued in 1962. It was produced for only a little over a year causing its rarity today. Made by U.S. Glass/Tiffin. Beautiful rich, dark amethyst glass in like-new condition. Quality vintage glass.
Tiffin Glass was part of a large consortium of glass makers under the U.S. Glass trademark. Tiffin produced beautiful high-end glassware for the upscale home, including the King’s Crown pattern. In 1961 Tiffin was one of the last two glasshouses still operating under the U.S. Glass umbrella. In 1963 the Tiffin factory spun off as an independent glass maker called Tiffin Art Glass.
A website for collectors of King’s Crown glass provides tons of excellent information. According to documentation the color Plum was produced in this pattern for approximately two years. It was discontinued shortly before U.S. Glass went into bankruptsy and Tiffin branched out on it’s own.
This rare King’s Crown ashtray was discovered with another verified Tiffin/U.S. Glass ashtray in the exact same deep amethyst color (shown in images 5 and 6). View companion ashtray…
The unique glass colors of yesteryear were developed by hand instead of using imported uniform color rods and slabs as we do today. Creating a color by adding minerals, etc. and by using different heating methods (the old-fashioned way) resulted in the colors varying slightly with different batches. The rich color on both ashtrays matches exactly, meaning both items came from the same glass batch around the same time.
Measures 5½” square, weighs 2 lbs. Four wide cradle rests accommodate cigars and smaller smokes. Deep 1½” bowl. Thick-walled, translucent quality vintage glass. Works as pipe-rest and candle holder too. In perfect condition with expected bottom-wear (tiny scratches on base due to approx. 60 years of surface contact).
