Cruise Talk: S.S. France Ashtray Question

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»	Cruise Talk » Ocean Liners and Classic Cruise Ships » S.S. France Ashtray Question

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Topic: S.S. France Ashtray Question

J.S.S.Normandie
First Class Passenger
Member # 6253

posted 11-06-2006 01:38 AM

Can anyone tell me, was this ashtray from the S.S. France a souvenier or used in the ship's public rooms?

Posts: 1197 | From: Massachusetts where the Brittania was trapped! | Registered: Feb 2006 | IP: Logged

PamM
First Class Passenger
Member # 2127

posted 11-06-2006 04:04 AM

A *very* reputable eBay seller has described them as:-

".... we found these little trays everywhere from the dining rooms to the many bars and cocktail lounges on the superliner. They are of bright blue glass, with a gold-guilded image of the ship, and the word "France" on the interior. They frequently served as ash trays, but there were more practical versions all about. They also served as tip trays for those who eschewed the credit-card world."

They "were commonplace".. but not today of course.

Pam

Posts: 12176 | From: Cambridge, UK | Registered: Jun 2001 | IP: Logged

DAMBROSI
First Class Passenger
Member # 100

posted 11-06-2006 10:57 AM

I have 3 or 4 of those trays..I love them.

Posts: 2554 | From: Florida, USA, Where the Legend SS NORWAY sailed from. Moving back to FL next yr. | Registered: May 99 | IP: Logged

lasuvidaboy
First Class Passenger
Member # 4527

posted 11-06-2006 12:14 PM

quote:
Originally posted by PamM:
A *very* reputable eBay seller has described them as:-
".... we found these little trays everywhere from the dining rooms to the many bars and cocktail lounges on the superliner.
Pam

The French Line must have had thousands of these simple yet elegant ashtrays made as there are usually a few for sale on eBay every week.

Posts: 7654 | From: Hollywood Hills/L.A. | Registered: Mar 2004 | IP: Logged

mike sa
First Class Passenger
Member # 5957

posted 11-06-2006 12:49 PM

They are attracive but very common, you can even buy them here in a shop in Durban !

Posts: 2272 | From: Durban, South Africa | Registered: Sep 2005 | IP: Logged

Conte Di Savoia
First Class Passenger
Member # 1802

posted 11-07-2006 07:46 AM

I traveled aboard France in 1962 and can tell you that these were used in the public rooms and were not souvenirs (for sale that is). I've retained my "on loan" for the last 44 years.

Posts: 64 | From: Bay Shore, NY | Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged

Linerrich
First Class Passenger
Member # 4864

posted 11-07-2006 08:05 AM

These were 'given away' by the thousands over the years. CGT knew people would pilfer them, but it was a relatively inexpensive form of advertising the ship, by having these items placed in thousands of homes! You can find these things in almost any town's thrift shop or antique shop; as mentioned earlier, they are almost always on eBay--I've sold probably 10 or 12 over the past few years on that site.

Interestingly, it's difficult to find photos of them in FRANCE's public rooms--most of my brochures and books show large, clear glass ashtrays placed on the tables. I know the cobalt trays were placed in the cabins to be used as ashtrays or pin trays, so in a sense, it was expected that they would be taken away--perhaps this is why so many of them are out on the streets!

Rich

Posts: 4210 | From: Miami, FL | Registered: Jul 2004 | IP: Logged

J.S.S.Normandie
First Class Passenger
Member # 6253

posted 11-07-2006 09:32 AM

Thanks for your responses everyone, very helpful.

Posts: 1197 | From: Massachusetts where the Brittania was trapped! | Registered: Feb 2006 | IP: Logged

linerguy
First Class Passenger
Member # 4289

posted 11-16-2006 12:04 AM

"Interestingly, it's difficult to find photos of them in FRANCE's public rooms"

Here's one,..it's from the "Sail the Left Bank on the SS France" brochure.

-Russ

Posts: 1486 | From: Bright, Indiana | Registered: Dec 2003 | IP: Logged

J.S.S.Normandie
First Class Passenger
Member # 6253

posted 11-16-2006 12:21 AM

quote:
Originally posted by linerguy:
"Interestingly, it's difficult to find photos of them in FRANCE's public rooms"
Here's one,..it's from the "Sail the Left Bank on the SS France" brochure.
-Russ

Thanks, thats the first time ive seen a picture of one onboard. That is the second class dining room is it not?

I just bought one on Ebay, theyre really such beautiful dishes.

Posts: 1197 | From: Massachusetts where the Brittania was trapped! | Registered: Feb 2006 | IP: Logged

Linerrich
First Class Passenger
Member # 4864

posted 11-16-2006 07:44 AM

quote:
Originally posted by linerguy:
"Interestingly, it's difficult to find photos of them in FRANCE's public rooms"
Here's one,..it's from the "Sail the Left Bank on the SS France" brochure.
-Russ

Russ, thanks for sharing--I even have that photo and forgot about it. Proof positive that they were in public areas, not just the staterooms!

Rich

Posts: 4210 | From: Miami, FL | Registered: Jul 2004 | IP: Logged

linerguy
First Class Passenger
Member # 4289

posted 11-16-2006 09:27 AM

Yes, the shot is of the Versailles Dining Room; which is now the Leeward Dining room on NORWAY.

Rich, I just love that brochure; it's so "mod"and the outfits and hair styles are to die for!

-Russ

Posts: 1486 | From: Bright, Indiana | Registered: Dec 2003 | IP: Logged

Cambodge
First Class Passenger
Member # 906

posted 11-17-2006 12:56 PM

Nancy and I were on our second voyage on "France" and were leaving the "Le Chambord"dining room, when I asked the Maitre de.. where I could buy them. "Steal them!" he exclaimed, "Everybody else does!

And he pressed four into my hands. C'est la vie!

Posts: 2149 | From: St. Michaels MD USA , the town that fooled the British! | Registered: Nov 1999 | IP: Logged

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