An early Robert 'Mouseman' Thompson dark oak ashtray with a really well carved signature mouse to the top. The mouse has a high back end, thin neck, and prominent ears, very typical of the period mice that were carved in the 1930s / 40s. Later mice have a lower back end, a thicker neck, and less prominent ears to prevent damage.
 
These earlier made ashtrays are fully hand carved, including the bowls. The bowls of the later ashtrays are machine cut. This particular ashtray has the mouse carved onto the right-hand side (when the mouse is facing forwards), which makes it a bit more unusual as most of the Mouseman ashtrays have the mouse carved on the opposite side. 
 
The condition is very good with just wear to the surface, scratches, small nicks, etc, all in line with approximately 80 years of age. It has no scorch marks to the bowl and does not appear to have been used as an ashtray. It's a lovely, early example, and it is a wonderful dark colour. 
 
Delivery - £5.95