An early hand carved Robert 'Mouseman' Thompson dark oak ashtray with signature mouse. The mouse has been beautifully carved with a higher back end, thinner neck, and more prominent ears, typical of the earlier made carved mice. The mouse has also been carved (when facing forward) on the right-hand side of the ashtray, which makes it a bit more unusual, as most (but not all) are carved on the left. The inner bowl has also been hand-carved, great to see as the bowls on the later ashtrays were machine cut. It is in very good condition with just a bit of age related wear as seen in the pictures. There is no damage to the mouse, it is in perfect condition. The ashtray has superb patina and it is a really lovely dark oak colour.