Victorian Cast Iron and Brass Fly-Form Ashtray & Match Holder

Story

Victorian parlors in the late 1800s were obsessed with the natural world, sparking a design craze for beetles, spiders, and flies. This heavy metal fly sat on a gentleman's desk, hiding unsightly ash beneath its golden wings. It transformed a mundane, messy habit into a clever conversation starter for guests.

Maker / Origin

While the owner associates this with 'Simpson & Co.', many of these whimsical insect novelties were produced by prominent English and German metal foundries of the late Victorian era. Firms like William Tonks & Sons or various Birmingham brass founders specialized in these heavy, cold-painted or dual-metal cast iron and brass desk accessories, which were exported worldwide.

Condition & Value

The fly is in good antique condition with a tight, working hinge. There is typical surface wear, minor paint loss on the black cast iron legs, and a lovely aged patina on the brass wings.