Author Topic: Afrikaans ashtray, c.1935, needing ID of Building (Read 3728 times)

David E · « **on:** May 26, 2006, 10:56:16 AM »

Max has just sent to me a fascinating pressed glass ashtray (thanks Max!

), made by Chance and seemingly for an Afrikaans customer.

EDIT UPDATE: Max bought it from eBay Canada

Embossed on the top lip is the following wording:
VERVAARDIG IN ENGELAND

It would appear VERVAARDIG is Afrikaans for 'made', but I'd welcome anyone else's thoughts.

In the centre is a building:

See links below for more detailed photos.

Ashtray: http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-2065
View 2: http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-2064
Building close-up: http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-2063
Chance signature: http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-2062

Can anyone identify this? Possibly a hotel?

With regard to date I would suggest mid-1930s due to the style, but it shouldn't be later than 1953, and probably represents an early piece of promotional glassware produced by the company.

AlmasAttic · « **Reply #1 on:** May 26, 2006, 01:34:18 PM »

Hi

that is the Voortrekker Monument, in Pretoria, South Africa, and was inaugurated on 16 December 1949 to commemorate the Great Trek and the Voortrekkers
The trekkers were those who, in wagons pretty much like those used to move west in the USA, moved north from Cape Town and colonised South Africa

Here is a link to the history
http://www.sahistory.org.za/pages/specialprojects/great-trek/great-trek1.htm

VERVAARDIG is Afrikaans for "manufactured" and so your piece says "manufactured in England"
It may have been produced in 1949 at the opening of the Monument

Previously part of the British Commonwealth, South Africa became a
Republic in 1961, so it is unlikely to have been made after that in England.

HTH

ps I originate from South Africa

David E · « **Reply #2 on:** May 26, 2006, 02:11:44 PM »

Hi Cheri,

Many thanks for the super-fast response. Marvellous that I can find out about such an obscure subject [for someone in England] so quickly - power of the Internet! Thanks also for all the accompanying data.

I was completely wrong about the date though, so I'm pretty certain this was indeed a commemorative item dating to 1949. Going from the style I could have sworn mid-1930s: just goes to show... :oops:

Frank · « **Reply #3 on:** May 26, 2006, 02:40:09 PM »

Not surprising, it is a very Deco monument http://www.voortrekkermon.org.za/Structure/S01.00_frameeng.htm

Max · « **Reply #4 on:** May 26, 2006, 06:38:47 PM »

Great photos David! Much better than I could have taken.

Thanks Cheri (sounds a bit over familiar! lol) for your help!

AlmasAttic · « **Reply #5 on:** May 26, 2006, 11:02:47 PM »

you are very welcome....nice to have been able to provide some help here for a change as I am usually the one seeking it!

BTW
The Voortrekker Monument is a HUGE structure that totally dominates the skyline, and yes,very Deco in design.