An early Robert 'Mouseman' Thompson dark oak ashtray with a particularly 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. 
 
The condition is very good with just one tiny nibble to one of the mouse's ears, and some wear to the surface and base of the ashtray, scratches, etc, all in line with over 80 years of being picked up and put back down again. 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