CANADA. Home Decor, Decorative Ashtray, Souvenir, c. 1960s.
Located on the Canadian side of the Niagara River, the Skylon Tower at 500+ feet holds commanding views of both the American and Canadian falls at Niagara. Construction on the landmark began in 1964, the tower completed a year later. It was officially opened on October 6, 1965, in a joint ceremony that brought together the then Governor of New York, Nelson Rockefeller, and Premier of Ontario, John Robarts. Long known for bright white lights lighting up its saucer-like top, in recent years the Skylon has become much more playful in radiating a wide palette of colorful rings. Made when smoking was still very much a mainstream habit and ashtrays still a very popular souvenir gift, we put the tray’s circa date in the mid-late 1960s. The smooth small copper rim hosts a single cigarette notch and features a porcelain ceramic inset: a colored montage of a front-side elevation of the Skylon Tower, set against the view one can see from its impressive observation deck. The ashtray was manufactured by Fantasy Copperware, a Toronto, Ontario, based company noted for turning out fine souvenir and decorative products across the middle of the 20th century. Fantasy Copperware was especially known for their copper candlesticks, plates, and trays, all of which can still be found as premiere collector’s items half a century later. The condition of this ashtray is good, noting a few wear spots on the inside rims, what seems to be rust tarnish along its right side, and a slight rusting discoloration in the lower right of the ceramic inset. Its felt pad backing is unmarked, the tray itself proudly bearing a “Made in Canada” designation.
Condition: Used Good. Local / Regional Attractions. 3.5” square x 0.25” deep
