*British, WW2 Era, Remembrance Ashtray with Marine Propeller, by Manganese Bronze & Brass Co. Ltd, London*
A rare World War II commemorative ashtray featuring a free-spinning four-bladed marine propeller rising from the centre of the dish. Around the rim is the inscription “In Remembrance of A War Job Well Done 1939-1945”, a reference to the vital role of Britain’s naval and engineering industries during the conflict. The underside is stamped “Scimitar Propellers are designed & manufactured by the Manganese Bronze & Brass Co. Ltd, London, England”.
The piece measures 13.5 cm (5 ¼ inches) in diameter, stands 9.5 cm (3 ¾ inches) high and weighs 370 g.
Historical Note: The Manganese Bronze & Brass Co. Ltd was established in 1876 and became one of Britain’s leading manufacturers of ship’s propellers and marine engineering components. During the Second World War the company supplied propellers for Royal Navy warships as well as merchant vessels engaged in the Battle of the Atlantic. After 1945, commemorative items such as this ashtray were produced as souvenirs and tokens of appreciation, celebrating the company’s contribution to victory. They also served as reminders to employees and the wider public of the essential role played by British industry in wartime. Today such pieces are sought after by collectors of naval memorabilia and WWII commemoratives alike.
*Condition* The ashtray shows some surface wear and patina within the bowl, consistent with age and use, but remains in very good overall condition. The propeller retains its bright finish and spins freely, while the inscriptions remain clear and legible. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
