Swarovski collectors can appreciate when the crystal giant makes products that are not only beautiful, but also useful (if you are a serious collector, you probably wont “use” something that is functional). Cigarette Smokers may be interested in the Swarovski Cigarette Lighter, as well as the Swarovski Crystal Ashtray products that have been available through the years.
The oldest Swarovski Ashtray figurines were like small bowls with a rim of polished silver or polished gold which included an extension to hold a cigarette. These units are known as the Rhodium Polished Ashtray and Gold Polished Ashtray. These Swarovski Ashtrays used the part number 7501 061 000 and system number 011 157. These figurines were the smallest of the ashtrays made, measuring about 2″ in diameter. The ashtrays feature the old Swarovski logo since they were produced 1977 to 1983.
The more commonly seen Swarovski Ashtray is solid crystal and is nearly 4″ in diameter. The identification numbers for this smoker’s accessory are 7461 100 000 and 010 061. Max Schreck was the Swarovski designer of this ashtray, which was available from 1981 to 1990.
In the late 1980’s and into the mid 1990’s, Swarovski produced some limited edition Swarovski Ashtrays, identifiable by their unique names: Posacenere and Cendrier.
The Swarovski Posacenere Ashtray (Posacenere is the Italian word for ashtray). Being a part of the Daniel Swarovski line, this ashtray features Ettore Sottass signature along with an identifying serial number. While the Swarovski Posacenere was limited to 500 units, it was available 1989 to 2001….quite a long time to sell 500 units. Perhaps this was due to the sticker price of $1720????
Lastly is the Swarovski Cendrier Ashtray (Cendrier is the French word for ashtray). The Swarovski Cendrier was limited to 2182 pieces and sold 1992 to 1995. It was designed by Martin Szekely and sold for $190 during its 4 year production run.
Swarovski Ashtrays can be found at Crystal Exchange America in the “Useful Swarovski” category, “Ashtrays and Treasure Boxes” subcategory as well as the online auctions. If you plan to actually “use” a Swarovski Crystal Ashtray, I would not suggest paying extra money to ensure it is in MINT condition or that it includes original box/paperwork. Using and cleaning ashtrays, they are far more likely to get damaged than if they were display only units.
Angie / Crystal Exchange America
Swarovski crystal figurines are available at Crystal Exchange America, a professional brokerage service of 25 years, dedicated to helping Swarovski collectors buy and sell retired Swarovski crystal figurines, ornaments, and collectibles.
Crystal Exchange America is reputable, knowledgeable, and has a world-wide customer base with thousands of satisfied customers. Swarovski crystal fanatics can go to www.CrystalExchange.com to obtain more information about safely listing, buying, and selling retired Swarovski, limited edition Swarovski, Swarovski Silver Crystal, and Swarovski crystal figurines.