A copper ash tray made by Norman & Ernest Spittle, circa 1900.

I previously sold a piece of the same design marked for Art Fittings Limited and made from N & E Spittle’s registered alloy, Pewtal. The hammered copper dish with folded edge is very characteristic of the designs by Norman Spittle from around 1900.

This particular design was one of the many “borrowed” by Gustav Stickley after his visit to England in 1903. This particular tray is very similar to an ashtray shown in Stickley’s metalwork catalogue circa 1905 (Design No. 272).