Some won't know what this is

[Bottle 2 Rocks]

Well, very good, the cushion part of the description is a real plus. It’s majolica pottery as well isn’t it, about 1884-89?


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I see one just like on etsy for sale. They call it Bennington.

 

[Bottle 2 Rocks]

Etsy

 

[ROBBYBOBBY64]

The corncob pipe is the clue -- it's a pipe ashtray. Pipe dottle drops into the hole so it doesn't smolder and stink in the tray. No one here ever smoked a tobacco pipe?

Works great for either function I'm sure. People spit when they smoke. Both are nasty. Thanks Harry.

 

[Harry Pristis]

Well, here's why I think it's a pipe ashtray (despite what the sellers on Etsy think):
1. It's too decorative to be a spittoon which is a functional, out of sight utility.
2. The ridges and valleys substantially increase the surface area which would slow drainage and increase air drying of sputum on the exposed surface.
3. The "drain port" is too low on the side to allow much accumulation of fluids, and would increase the risk of spillage when handling.

None of these factors is a problem with pipe dottle.

 

[ROBBYBOBBY64]

Well, here's why I think it's a pipe ashtray (despite what the sellers on Etsy think):
1. It's too decorative to be a spittoon which is a functional, out of sight utility.
2. The ridges and valleys substantially increase the surface area which would slow drainage and increase air drying of sputum on the exposed surface.
3. The "drain port" is too low on the side to allow much accumulation of fluids, and would increase the risk of spillage when handling.

None of these factors is a problem with pipe dottle.

I believe you Harry. Thank-you for setting the record straight. I see some seller on eBay describe the fancyness as if it was a women's spittoon. How ridiculous. Thanks again.
ROBBYBOBBY64.

 

[UncleBruce]

Well, here's why I think it's a pipe ashtray (despite what the sellers on Etsy think):
1. It's too decorative to be a spittoon which is a functional, out of sight utility.
2. The ridges and valleys substantially increase the surface area which would slow drainage and increase air drying of sputum on the exposed surface.
3. The "drain port" is too low on the side to allow much accumulation of fluids, and would increase the risk of spillage when handling.

A spittoon (cuspidor) would not be open on the side would it?

 

[Bottle 2 Rocks]

Too many images on Google search of many different types of pottery vessels just like this one or very close in design to this one, all of them called spittoons and none called a pipe ashtray, are they all wrong or are we talking about someones singular theory as being correct. Yes you can drop the dottle down the hole and I'm sure it was probably done. At 9" round that would be a pretty good sized ashtray.

 

[ROBBYBOBBY64]

No comment.
ROBBYBOBBY64.

 

[Bottle 2 Rocks]

One thing for certain is there is going to be a few xtra clams in Fred's pocket when he finds a buyer for his neat find.

 

[hemihampton]

Bennington is always that color. LEON.