1933 Chicago Century of Progress Copper Souvenir Ashtray World's Fair Art Deco Exposition

Commemorate one of America's greatest World's Fairs with this original 1933 Century of Progress souvenir ashtray from the Chicago World's Fair. Finished in warm copper plate over pressed metal, the square Art Deco design features the iconic Hall of Science beneath the inscription "A Century of Progress – Chicago – 1933," celebrating the exposition that showcased innovation, architecture, transportation, and the promise of the modern age. The streamlined stepped corners and geometric styling perfectly capture the optimism and design language that defined the fair.

This ashtray comes directly from my grandfather's personal collection and was purchased during his visit to the 1933 Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago. I also own the postcard he mailed home to his mother while attending the fair, providing wonderful family provenance that confirms its long history in our family. Although the postcard is not included, this ashtray has remained with our family ever since and has never been sourced through dealers or estate sales.

Measuring approximately 3 1/16 inches square and about 1/4 inch tall, the ashtray retains its original copper finish with an attractive aged patina developed over more than ninety years. It shows honest signs of use and age, including surface wear, scratches, areas of verdigris, and oxidation around portions of the rim, all consistent with an authentic World's Fair souvenir that has been carefully preserved rather than restored. The central embossed design remains crisp and displays beautifully. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description and accurately represent its current condition.

An excellent collectible for Century of Progress enthusiasts, Chicago World's Fair collectors, Art Deco memorabilia collectors, tobacciana enthusiasts, vintage advertising collectors, and anyone assembling a collection of historic American exposition souvenirs with documented family provenance.