Cast iron ashtray in rectangular form, sloping sides, sunken top with raised sides having a textured surface with two corner indentations for cigarettes. Opposite end of indentation is a grouping of four geese, fully formed, attached to top surface with screws. Entire surface is bronzed with a pattern of oblique stripes on sides.
Marked "144" on bottom. The Hubley catalog "Metal Art Goods" lists this ashtray as #144 and named "Goosie Goosie Gander." The description notes it has "an unusual bronze finish".
Provenance
Owned by J. Roland Gilbert (1888-1940) and inherited by his daughter the donor (1916-1992). Donor writes: "acquired in the late '20s or early '30s and 'possibly' a gift from Mr. Joseph Breneman, a Hubley Exec." J. Roland Gilbert was president of Lancaster Press Inc. and general manager of the New Era Publishing Co.
Ashtray of pressed milk glass, triangular dish form with clipped corners and sloping sides. Indented at top of each corner for receiving cigarette. Three sides are each printed in black ink: "COURSON'S / SUBS AND HAM BOATS / 564 W. ORANGE ST. / PHONE 394-6034."
City Directories of circa 1930s to early 1950s list Harley J. Courson at 564 W. Orange, listed as a confectioner, followed by son? Howard J. Courson in 1954. For a short time, from 1960-1965, Howard was listed under Grocery & Meats, but returning to confectionary by 1966.
See another Courson's advertising piece, a magnifying glass, 2012.12.2.
See Courson's Son's letter from Penn Dairies Inc. in file.
Set of three keys to the Conestoga Cotton Mill. Keys have oblong, pivoting heads. Attached note reads, ""Second" only Conestoge (sic) Cotton #3 Mill Gate Key in Existence."
