Oval Ash Tray and Safety Match Stand

Item Number:  115
Approximate Size:  5½” L
Production Dates:  1915-1958

Years ago, smoking was very popular – and Fostoria Glass produced smoking accessories to meet the demands of its many consumers.  Even while many of us don’t smoke today, one can still appreciate the craftsmanship and beauty of these items.  The Oval Ash Tray is the oldest ash tray in the American line.  When it was first introduced, it was called the “Oval Ash Tray and Safety Match Stand”.  During its final years of production, it was simply known as the Oval Ash Tray.  It was also produced in a black Ebony color for a very short period of time, circa 1925-1926.

The Oval Ash Tray is the only smoking accessory in the American line that acts as an ash tray and a matchbox stand.  Interestingly, it does not have a notched area in the rim to hold a cigarette or cigar.  It has a thick protrusion of glass that sits on the ash tray’s upper edge – acting as a stand for a box of matches.  The key word here is “box” of matches … for this application does not work with a book of matches.

For me, personally, I like to place these ash trays right next to candle holders.  I never have to go looking for matches when the time comes to light a candle, and once I do light them – I simply place the extinguished match back in the holder.  This solves the problem of me having to look for a trash can to dispose of them.  It is a unique and productive way to use the Oval Ash Tray, while still being attractive in the process.

Trying to find boxes of matches that fit these vintage Oval Ash Trays is no easy task.  The block of glass that acts as the match stand has a depth of ½”, is about 1″ tall, and approximately 1¼” wide.  Today, most boxes of matches you find at the local store are smaller than these dimensions.  The boxes are usually too narrow or not deep enough to fit over the piece of protruding glass (match stand).  I have had good luck finding vintage and retro-looking boxes of matches online.  I like the way they look, and they fit the time period of when they ash trays were produced.

As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase on eBay.  The following link shows available Ash Trays on eBay.