An antique vintage cigar ashtray is more than an object of ritual—it’s a storied artifact of leisure, craftsmanship, and design. These ashtrays, once found in private smoking lounges, study desks, and old-world bars, now serve as striking collectibles and decor accents that speak to a slower, more intentional time.
Whether rendered in carved glass, hand-painted porcelain, brass, or marble, each piece evokes the tactile pleasure of the past. For collectors, aesthetes, or cigar aficionados, these vintage ashtrays add quiet sophistication to a shelf, sideboard, or tabletop arrangement.
Built for Ritual, Designed for Display
Built for Ritual, Designed for Display
Unlike standard ashtrays, antique vintage cigar ashtrays were crafted with proportion and ceremony in mind. Their generous bowls, wide rests, and weighted bases were designed specifically for cigars—accommodating thicker rings, longer burns, and deeper ash. Today, these features make them ideal as decorative catch-alls or sculptural conversation pieces.
Many designs feature ornate etching, hotel insignias, or embossed motifs—offering a glimpse into the setting they once belonged to. Think French Art Deco crystal, mid-century Italian brass, or American pressed glass. Their stories are as layered as their materials.
Styles, Materials, and Collectible Variants
Styles, Materials, and Collectible Variants
The range of styles within this category is rich. Seek out vintage cigarette holder ashtrays from the 1920s with hand-cut crystal and silver rims. Or opt for cigar ashtrays for sale in molded Murano glass, weighty enough to anchor a room. Larger ashtrays from cigar clubs or steamliner ships are especially rare—many bearing engraved logos, match strike plates, or built-in holders.
You’ll find finishes in everything from oxidized brass to glossy ceramic, and designs spanning neoclassical, industrial, and modernist aesthetics. Some vintage large ashtrays even function as standalone centerpieces or coffee table anchors.
Styling Antique Ashtrays at Home
Styling Antique Ashtrays at Home
A well-placed antique vintage cigar ashtray instantly adds character and gravity to a space. Use one to hold matchbooks on a console table, corral keys in an entryway, or as an unexpected contrast on a minimalist shelf. In offices or libraries, they create a sense of heritage and depth—especially when paired with vintage lighters or leather-bound books.
Even non-smokers find creative uses: they’re ideal for burning incense, holding jewelry, or simply standing alone as decorative relics of impeccable design. Their enduring appeal lies in their patina, their provenance, and their ability to evoke a bygone kind of elegance.