Art Deco Greyhound Figural Ashtray, Cold-Painted Spelter, c. 1925–1935

A figural smoker's tray in the Austrian/French Art Deco idiom, modeled as a seated greyhound on a shaped, shield-form base with an integral oval ash well and four cigar rests at the corners. The hound is rendered with the lean musculature, narrow muzzle, and alert posture characteristic of the breed — a favored Deco-era subject linked to the period's fascination with speed, racing, and aristocratic sporting imagery. The cold-painted finish layers warm copper-bronze tones across the body with verdigris green concentrating in the recesses, set against a contrasting olive-gold base that mimics patinated bronze. Hollow spelter (zinc alloy) construction, non-magnetic, with the original olive-green felt underside bearing an inventory tag marked "#155."

The format — figural animal mounted to a weighted ashtray base — was produced in volume by Austrian and German foundries between the wars for export to American smoking-room and gentleman's-desk markets, with greyhounds and Borzois among the most sought-after models. Unsigned, as is typical of the trade-grade output from this period.

CONDITION

Good overall with strong sculptural presence and the desirable two-tone cold-painted patina largely intact. Surface scratching and scuffing throughout the ash well consistent with period use, minor paint loss along the base edges, and small areas of oxidation to the pewter-finished tray. Original felt is intact but soiled and lightly worn.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Overall: 5 1/2" L × 4 3/4" W × 6" H
• Weight: 2 lbs
• Construction: Hollow-cast spelter (zinc alloy), non-magnetic
• Finish: Cold-painted, two-tone copper/verdigris with olive-gold base
• Four integral cigar rests at corners of ash well
• Original felt underside, inventory tag "#155"
• Unsigned ⚑
• Campbell's Soup Can (4" H) Shown for Scale