Ashtray for the Australian 16 foot skiff carnival in Melbourne

Date1953

Object number00030587

NameAshtray

MediumMetal

Dimensions15 x 112 x 112 mm, 0.1 kg

ClassificationsTableware and furnishings

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis pressed metal ashtray was made for the Australian 16-foot skiff Carnival in Melbourne, possiby as a presentation piece or souvenir. It features an embossed image of a skiff and an inscription on its rim. It was made for the sailing carnival season from 1953 to 1954.HistoryRegattas were central to competitive boating from the 19th century and functioned as a social and sporting occasion as well as a marker of official anniversaries in a public aquatic spectacle. Civic leaders, politicians and merchants offered patronage and sponsorship. Community regattas often featured several races, including rowing, sculling and sailing events usually for professional watermen and amateurs. The regatta was not just a means for exercising competitive sport but also a focus for social and recreational entertainment.SignificanceThis ashtray is representative of memorabilia produced to mark Australian national sailing regattas during the mid 20th century. It commemorates the popularity of organised skiff sailing and reflects the more utilitarian regatta souvenir.