German Bronze Ashtray 50’s

Germany, 1950s. This free-form bronze catch-all tray, in a clover shape with soft hollows, bears a raised mark on the underside: “Coro”, “Rheinische Schmirgel Werke, Beuel / Rhein”. Beuel is a district of Bonn, on the right bank of the Rhine. The piece is cast in a single mass, in an organic design typical of post-war desk objects. The base, a deep blackish brown, is scattered with verdigris patches and golden glints; the edges, finished in polished brass, draw a gilded rim that highlights the two notches meant to rest a cigarette. The outside, patinated green, stands on a gilded triangular foot, where the mark is stamped. Good overall condition, on visual inspection: a beautiful period patina, a few signs of use, no visible knocks or deformation. At 15 cm wide and 3 cm high, it serves as an ashtray or a catch-all for keys, rings or loose change, on an entryway, a console or a desk.