Vintage and Retro Ashtrays: Second Hand Design Objects

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A vintage ashtray is often more design object than utensil today: a bowl for keys and jewellery, a vide poche in the hallway or a splash of colour on a shelf. At 2nd home you will find vintage and second hand ashtrays in glass, crystal, Murano glass, marble, onyx, alabaster, ceramic, brass and silver, many of them retro ashtrays from the 50s, 60s and 70s.

A large share comes from Murano. Typical is the sommerso technique, in which several layers of coloured glass lie on top of each other beneath clear glass. Flavio Poli developed it further for Seguso Vetri d'Arte and received the Compasso d'Oro in 1954. Bullicante is the name for a decoration of regularly trapped air bubbles. Glassworks you will find at 2nd home include Barovier and Toso. A dedicated selection is on our Murano ashtrays page.

Heavy glass ashtrays often come from Bohemia and Scandinavia. Emanuel Beránek founded the glassworks in Škrdlovice in 1940, and there are designs for Sklo Union and Železný Brod. Per Lütken led design at Holmegaard in Denmark from 1942, and Val Saint Lambert has made crystal in Seraing near Liège since 1826. For more cut glass, see crystal and lead crystal.

Besides glass there are ashtrays in stone, such as marble, onyx, travertine and alabaster from Italy, as well as ceramic and metal. Space Age design classics you will find at 2nd home include ceramic ashtrays by Pino Spagnolo for Sicart and chrome ball ashtrays by Quist; related objects are under Space Age design. For cigar smokers and collectors of silverware there are silver ashtrays.

What to check: on glass and crystal, look for small chips on the rim and scratches on the base; on stone, look for cracks along the grain. Stone is porous and stains more easily than glass. If you do not smoke, use an ashtray as a small bowl; you will find more shapes under trays and bowls. Dimensions, material and condition are stated with every piece.

Buying vintage ashtrays: materials and new uses

  • Ashtrays are not only functional objects, but also impressive design pieces that inspire as decorative elements. Whether made of finecrystal glass, colorfulMurano glass, solidBrass, iridescentNeodymium glassor nobleMarble– these vintage pieces reflect the design of their era. Whether simple Bauhaus lines, playful mid-century designs, or opulent Art Deco models – they are timeless collector's items. In addition to their classic function, they are also suitable as elegant storage for jewelry, keys, or for use withPalo Santoor incense. At 2nd-home.io, you'll find available vintage ashtrays in unique designs.

    We recommendVases

    andDecorative objects.

  • All information about shipping and collection can be found in ourShipping information: shipping method and delivery time are listed on the product page.

    Questions about your order or care? Our service is available via chat, contact form, callback, or WhatsApp – you can find all the details atHelp & Contact.

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Frequently asked questions and answers

What materials are used for vintage ashtrays?

  • Crystal glass:Heavy, luxurious look with sparkling facets.
  • Murano glass:Handcrafted with unique color patterns and organic shapes.
  • Brass:High-quality, durable metal construction with patina effect.
  • Neodymium glass:Changes color between blue and purple depending on the light.
  • Marble:Heavy, fine workmanship, ideal for luxurious interiors.

Which design eras are particularly popular for vintage ashtrays?

  • Bauhaus:Clear lines and functional shapes without unnecessary decorations.
  • Mid-Century:Round, playful designs with bold colors.
  • Art deco:Elegant patterns, often made of crystal glass or with metal elements.
  • Space Age:Bold, futuristic designs with colorful glass or plastic.

What purposes can vintage ashtrays be used for?

They are perfect as stylish bowls for jewelry, coins, or keys. They are also particularly popular forPalo Santo or incense, as many ashtrays are heat-resistant.

How do I care for vintage ashtrays made of different materials?

  • Glass (crystal, Murano, neodymium):Clean with mild glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth.
  • Brass:Treat with special brass polish to maintain the shine or to deliberately create a patina.
  • Marble:Clean only with a damp cloth, as acid (e.g. vinegar) can attack the material.

Why are vintage ashtrays so popular?

They are stylish accessories that have already been produced and stay in use. Many models are also handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces with a unique story.

  • curation, selection and active search

    Every product you find on 2nd home comes from our curation and quality process . This includes our vintage Ashtray .

    Our team is constantly looking for trends and new items to offer you high-quality vintage and second-hand goods and plenty of inspiration.

    And if you are looking for something specific, you can contact us at any time.

  • Delivery

    At 2nd home you buy what already exists: our furniture , carpets , lights and decorative objects are available and ready to ship, with no production lead time as with new furniture. Another advantage when you buy vintage and second hand.

    For more information about shipping and delivery , see Returns & Refunds .

  • service

    At 2nd home we place great importance on quality and customer satisfaction. Sellers are selected by 2nd home, and every piece is described with its condition, dimensions and photos.

    If you have any questions, our customer service will help you You can find further information about our buyer protection, legal guarantee and right of return in our cancellation policy .

  • Pre-owned instead of new

    Every piece has already been made and stays in use; there is no new production.

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