Designer: Walter Bosse (1904 – 1979)

Item: Owl ashtray

Manufactured by: Herta Baller for Walter Bosse

Country of origin: Austria

Year made: Ca. 1950s

Materials: Patinated and polished brass

Dimensions: ¾” x 4” x 2 ¾”

Condition: Excellent, with age appropriate patina to the polished brass, but appears unused.

References: Schreyer-Hartmann, Cherica, Walter Bosse: Leben, Kunst und Handwerk 1904-1979. Vienna: Brandstätter, 2000

Description:  Another famous whimsical design by Bosse for the Bosse-Baller partnership of a cartoonish depiction of an owl’s face.  Bearing the correct impressed mark “Austria Baller” on bottom as shown.  We have handled many pieces by Bosse, and the this is the first we have been able to find of this well-known, but seemingly elusive design.