1940s Kmbc / Kfrm Figural Broadcast Advertising Ashtray

Description

We loved this quirky ceramic ashtray at first sight! The characters appear to be a farmer and a businessman representing … more We loved this quirky ceramic ashtray at first sight! The characters appear to be a farmer and a businessman representing the two interests of the corporate owner of the 1940s/1950s. .The men's physiques remind us of "Wimpy" in old Popeye cartoons from the same era. The building on which they lean was constructed in 1947 to house the administrative and broadcast functions of the organization and still stands on Central Avenue in Kansas City, MO. Perhaps this was fabricated in honor of its opening.

This charming ashtray promotes the joint ownership of broadcast stations KMBC (founded in 1927 then joining the CBS network in 1928 as the 16th nationwide affiliate) and KFRM, (a 1940s era agriculture focused broadcaster based out of Salina, KS). The latter was sold to another enterprise in 1961, thus ending the partnership of the two stations so we date this promotional ashtray to between 1947 & 1961.

Given its provenance, one would expect to find this item in the plains of Kansas but we lucked into discovering it at one of our favorite dealers in Milwaukee, WI.

Very good vintage condition for a 70+ ceramic item. No cracks and only minor glaze chips along the lower edge which do not detract from appearance. There is some paint loss on the figures and what appears to be a museum or collection inventory number on the back of the piece (see photo).

Free local pickup; otherwise shipped via economical ground delivery. less