Carlton Ware has been produced since 1894, and sought after by collectors worldwide for its bright quirky pieces, often comical and outrageous designs. Most famously, the toucan promotional items for Guinness.
This souvenir “Motto” piece recites a humorous poem :
“DREAMER
I dreamed that I died
And to Heaven did go
I rang the bell gaily
and bowed very low
I said I’m from NEW YORK
My how they did stare
Come right in said Peter
Your the first one from there”
It has a double cigarette holder, and is a cream background with a multicoloured cartoon of a very dapper gentleman, and wording. On the base, it is impressed with 1755, marked with the Carlton Ware logo, and “made in England” trademark.
It is part of an assortment of ceramic ware produced 1940-1960, “In Memory of Sam”, with the place names changing to suit customers from all over the world. Carlton Ware Ltd concentrated heavily on decorative giftware from the mid Century, and this item is in excellent vintage condition. This would make a wonderful addition to a tobacconist’s collection, a collector of American memorabilia, any established Carlton Ware collection, or a great way to start a new one.