Scarce red opaline bowl ashtray by Blenko with makers mark

Sand blasted Blenko mark dates this beauty from 1959 to 1961. 

Blenko's variant color 'tangerine opaline' is not often seen. It is a result, either accidentally or on purpose, of Blenko's heat sensitive 'Tangerine' color changing to red and red opalescent during firing.  The lower half is in translucent deep fire red and the upper half is in semi-translucent red opaline.  Click to read more about Blenko Art Glass. Blenko's catalogs from the past show this form as either B-508 (Bubble ashtray) or 452 (Heavy ashtray) and both listed at 6.5" wide.  This ashtray is a bit over 7" wide.  The diameter difference can be explained because of the nature of hand-made glass.  The artist can decide to flatten and widen at their whim.  The thick glass walls are decorated internally with controlled air bubbles. This smoking hot rarity ashtray has the bonus of Blenko's sandblasted mark (used only between 1959 and 1961) placed in the center of the half-moon polished pontil mark.  The etched mark can only be seen when the ashtray is held to the light.  We were surprised, and pleased, to find it. In pefect shape.  Glass is clean and brilliant.  No damage.  The base ring is polished flat and bears the 'bottom-wear' marks expected on heavy vintage glass.  Has 3 rests, suitable for small cigars or less.  Would have difficulty balancing large cigars on the rests, but provides a good deep cigar bowl. This ashtray weighs 4 lbs. Measures just over 7" round, deep bowl measures 2.75" tall.  A true gem. Click on images below to enlarge, use your Back Arrow to return to this page.