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), rarer than the Mouseman ashtrays with the mice carved on the left-hand side as most are.
 
The condition is very good. There is just one small nibble on the edge of the bowl as seen in the pictures (could be easily filled). Also, another old nibble on the base which has smoothed out with age so is not really noticeable. Other than that, it just has surface wear 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