Jenning Brothers Chimpanzee Cigar Ashtray #1979 - Marked with JB 1979 - Monkey Ashtray - Circa 1920s

This strange chimp caught our eye recently and we couldn't walk away. It turns out that's because he was made by the Jenning Brothers Metal Foundry. The company was founded in 1890 in Bridgeport Connecticut. They specialized in clocks and decorative items in the art nouveau style. Jenning Brothers pieces required meticulous techniques that were not suitable for machines, depending instead on artists, sculptors, and metal craftsmen. 

JB’s finishing process included silver plating over cast gray metal, creating the illusion of solid bronze (this information came from a museum website, so we're assuming this piece is silver plate over cast grey). They made several animal cigar ashtrays, but the chimp is one of the most compelling. Our chimp is in excellent condition with gorgeous patina and a clear maker's mark on the bottom. We aren't sure of the exact dates but the company closed in 1953, so it dates between 1890 and 1953. The sculpture details are exquisite and his gaping mouth is hilarious. We hope he can find a good home with a collector or cigar aficionado.

BIXLEY NOTES

• Silver Plate (brass look) Chimpanzee Ashtray

• Circa 1920s

• Jennings Brothers Metal Foundry

• Marked JB 1979 on the bottom

• Measures 4 1/2" tall x 3" deep x 2 1/2" wide

VINTAGE NOTES

• Vintage patina in excellent condition

• Very minor scratches on base.

At Bixley, forgotten treasures are looking for a home to call their own. We love the "as is" quality of vintage pieces and hope you do too. Please read our description carefully and take a good look at our photos. We'll do our best to point out any of the bumps and bruises of age.

Browse for more great vintage finds here on Bixley or at Bixley on Etsy.