Back in the day it was standard practice to offer cigarettes at any well-to-do party or social event, (visions of Hollywood). Today, some people would try to have you arrested for doing such a thing. This cigarette dispenser ball is the type of item that would be used and normally there would be a couple of them sitting on various tables in a room full of people.
It has a stylish art deco brass pop-up design. Pull up on the ring on top and 25 slots slowly fan out to look like a flower. A cigarette would be inserted into each slot. It measures about 4.5 inches across.
I purchased it (and another one) at an estate sale a few months back. The informational card that was sitting beside it stated it would be from the time frame of 1930 to 1950.
I've been watching online for a couple of months to try to find another one to help determine an asking price, and I finally found one. There is an auction house who keeps past sales published online and one of these in just about the same condition sold for $70.50 back in 2006. That's about 8 years ago. There are several others online, but they are nice and shiny and have the silhouette of a world globe. The prices on those are in the range of $239 to $275.
CONDITION:
There is wear to the finish, mainly on the upper half. I've had items in the past that I purchased with the intent to keep and I've taken them to my jeweler and she was able to buff out any evidence of wear. I would imagine (but am not sure) that would be possible with this piece. Also, there are two small dents at the very bottom, but since it's rounded these dents are low enough that they are not normally seen.
Other than that, the piece opens with ease, all slots flow out as expected and it's just a wonderful example of yesteryear.
Due to the weight, shipping will probably be via USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate packaging. If you live in or near California, regular Priority Mail may be an option. If you'd like to send me your zipcode I can check the rates and let you know.
Also, the package will be sent with postal insurance and signature required notices. Since these safeguards are for the protection of us both, I split those costs with the buyer.
Buyer to pay USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate delivery charges of $14.95 and possibly less depending on delivery location.
To avoid duplicate shipping charges, please contact seller for combined shipping charges if multiple purchases are desired.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING depends on the country. Buyer must contact seller for shipping quote before making purchase. Seller reserves the right to void any transactions where contact has not been made prior to purchasing.
Items in my listings come from estate sales, garage sales, or various auctions. I do not know if they came from homes where smoking or pets were present. All items are sold in the same condition as when I received them.
