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Iconic Green 1932 Art Deco Bakelite Tennis Ball Ashtray by Roanoid Ltd for Roxon

$625
£475.92
€548.01
CA$885.68
A$952.68
CHF 509.14
MX$11,229.33
NOK 6,419.03
SEK 5,868.21
DKK 4,094.59

About the Item

This iconic green Art Deco Bakelite ashtray, known as the “Tennis Ball Ashtray,” stands as one of the most recognizable examples of 1930s British industrial design. Produced by Roanoid Ltd of Birmingham for Roxon Ltd of London, the model was patented in 1933 (GB 389,426) and has since been celebrated as a symbol of the early modern plastics industry. The design is attributed to Robert Conroy-Robertson, though the British patent was filed by Andrew Vaughan Jones, Managing Director of Roanoid Plastics Ltd, and Roxon Ltd, its retail partner. Originally said to have been created as a promotional item for the Dunlop Rubber Company’s sports division, the ashtray’s sleek, hemispherical form and ingenious folding cigarette rests evoke both the streamlined futurism and playful geometry of the Art Deco movement. Crafted from multiple early plastics, the upper section is made from marbled green phenol formaldehyde (commonly referred to as Bakelite), while the cigarette rests and base are molded from black thiourea formaldehyde. The base contains a weighted lead plug to prevent tipping, though as collectors know, these often rolled off tables—leaving few perfect examples today. This particular piece remains in good vintage condition with all arms moving smoothly from open to closed position. There is minor darkened wear to the interior where the cigarette would have rested, a fine 0.5" hairline crack beneath one arm, and a small 0.25" chip at the base of another—both stable and not affecting structure or movement. The base retains its impressed mark: “Made by Roanoid (AUST.) PTY LTD Melbourne.” The top and bottom are screw together and the material is very responsive to the temperature of the room and the manner in which it is screwed together.. Sometimes they do not meet fully and the piece is loose, other times they join perfectly for a normal fit. A true Art Deco design icon, this ashtray is represented in major museum collections, including the Museum of Design in Plastics (UK), and remains one of the most recognizable examples of British modern design and early plastic innovation. Details: Designer: Attributed to Robert Conroy-Robertson Manufacturer: Roanoid Ltd, Birmingham for Roxon Ltd, London Date: circa 1933 Origin: England / Australia (marked) Materials: Phenol formaldehyde (Bakelite), thiourea formaldehyde, lead plug Condition: Good vintage condition; light wear and minor stable flaws as described
  • Creator:
    Robert Conroy-Robertson (Designer),Roxon Limited (Retailer),Roanoid Limited (Manufacturer)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)Diameter: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)
  • Style:
    Art Deco (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Bakelite,Molded
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1932
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Good vintage condition with all arms moving smoothly. Minor darkened wear to the interior where the cigarette would have rested, a fine 0.5" hairline crack beneath one arm small 0.25" chip at the base of another. Screw point is sometimes loose.
  • Seller Location:
    Red Lion, PA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU10258247239442

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