Ashtrays, Lefton, Violet Chintz, Stackable Ashtrays, Set of 2, Japan, Vintage, SOLD

• Pattern:  Vintage Lefton Stackable Ashtrays, Violet Chintz, Lefton KF666V
• Made in Japan
• Vintage:  1953 -1971
• Details:  This is such a pretty pattern on these mini ashtrays from Lefton!  It's called "Violet Chintz" and was originally issued as a coffee and tea set with pieces like: small plates, bowls, cake stand, and even a cute little tea strainer.  We're unsure on the exact release date for this pattern, but based on the marks and foil label we've dated it to between 1953 and 1971.  Of course in the 1950's smoking was considered elegant, almost glamorous, many china sets had matching ashtrays and some like these smaller ashtrays were meant for individual use, everyone got their own ashtray.  These were originally sold as a set of 4 ashtrays with matching holder, if you've broken one and are looking for replacements, we hope this is a great find.  Otherwise these make perfect little trinket dishes and tea bag holders.  There are a couple of condition issues, please see Condition below.  
• Material:  Porcelain
• Dimensions:  2.75 inches Square, 3.25 inches including the cigarette rests.
• Condition:  Vintage - Used.  Average Condition.  There is one chip on the rim of both of these ashtrays. Please review all pictures and make sure you love this item before purchasing, we can't accept returns.  All Sales Final.  Please remember these are VINTAGE and ANTIQUE items, they are NOT new, every effort has been made to show any scratches, wear and tear and imperfections. 

Lefton (actually called Geo. Zoltan Lefton Company) was started in Chicago in 1941 by George Lefton, an immigrant from Hungary who's hobby was collecting fine porcelain. Mr. Lefton didn't manufacture his wares, he was an importer of Japanese porcelain but had very high quality standards for his manufacturers and that's why his items are still collected and highly regarded today.  His reputation earned him the name of The China King.  In the mid 1970's he started importing items from other countries such as Taiwan, Malaysia and China.  George Lefton died in 1996 and the company was sold in 2001 but the mark "Lefton" is still being used.  Lefton marks include: stamps, labels, or numbers, unfortunately when it is a paper (foil) label, they are almost always missing by the time we find them.  Lefton was sold to OMT Enterprises of Gardena, California, in 2005 and is now a division of that company.