Turkish Souvenir Brass Slipper Ashtray with 'Türkiye' Inscription and Glass Accents
Decorative Object / Ashtray · Unknown Turkish artisanal workshop; likely a mass-produced souvenir item from a local bazaar or gift manufacturer.
Pattern: Traditional Turkish 'Charik' (Slipper) motif; folk-art style commonly used in tourism-related decorative goods.
Type
Decorative Object / Ashtray
Maker
Unknown Turkish artisanal workshop; likely a mass-produced souvenir item from a local bazaar or gift manufacturer.
Material
Brass or bronze-toned alloy; non-precious metal base. Note the turquoise-colored glass/paste cabochons in the eyes and 'Türkiye' cast into the footbed.
Dimensions
Standard souvenir size; approximately 10-12 cm in length and 4 cm in height. Weight estimated at 150-250 grams due to dense base metal casting.
Description
An ornate, gold-toned slipper-shaped ashtray echoing traditional Ottoman footwear. The piece features intricate cast relief patterns of vines and scrolls, with a bird-like head at the toe set with turquoise-colored glass beads. The central depression is embossed with the name of the nation, serving as a functional piece of kitsch or a desk accessory.
Key Features
Bird-head finial, 'Türkiye' country stamp, integrated cigarette rest, and imitation turquoise eyes.
Material & Composition
Brass or bronze-toned alloy; non-precious metal base. Note the turquoise-colored glass/paste cabochons in the eyes and 'Türkiye' cast into the footbed.
Finish & Decoration
Gilded or gold-toned lacquer over base metal with cast scrollwork and floral motifs. Features faux-gemstone accents and openwork (pierced) casting on the vamp.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No official silver hallmarks visible; center stamp 'TÜRKIYE' indicates the country of origin rather than precious metal content.
Construction Details
Industrial sand-casting or die-casting with secondary assembly for the cabochon settings. Visible seam lines and rough finishing suggest high-volume production rather than hand-wrought silver techniques.
Functional Features
Hollow interior designed for ash collection; the side bridge doubles as a cigarette rest; the upturned 'toe' serves as a decorative handle.
Handle & Grip Details
The stylized bird-head toe serves as the primary grip; molded from solid base metal and integrated into the body casting.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade casting; evidence of pockmarks and mold lines consistent with mass-market giftware rather than fine jewelry or silversmithing.
Authentication Indicators
The item lacks a '.925' or '800' silver mark; the golden hue and greenish oxidation in crevices are diagnostic markers of brass/copper-alloy rather than sterling silver or vermeil.
Origin & Manufacturing
Turkey; likely manufactured in Istanbul or the Ankara industrial region for distribution in regional bazaars.
Era & Period
Modern Era (late 20th Century, 1970-present). Designed as a tourist memento during Turkey's rise in international tourism.
Age Estimate
Circa 1980s-2000s; based on the specific font of the 'Türkiye' stamp and the use of synthetic/glass bezel-set accents.
Cultural Significance
Represents the growth of the souvenir industry in the Eastern Mediterranean; serves as an accessible gateway for tourists to take home a piece of 'Ottoman' aesthetic at a low price point.
Condition Notes
Good; showing heavy surface oxidation and grime. One glass cabochon appears damaged or dull. Significant patina in recessed areas suggesting exposure to air or outdoor flea market conditions.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD; primary value is as a decorative souvenir rather than as a precious metal investment.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild detergent and a soft brush; since it is likely brass with a lacquer finish, avoid abrasive silver polishes which will strip the golden color down to the raw metal.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with 800-silver Turkish filigree (Telkari) slippers, which would be much lighter, made of fine wires, and hallmarked with official assay stamps.
Interesting Facts
The 'Charik' slipper design is a classic symbol of Anatolian folk culture, often used in Turkish crafts to symbolize hospitality and the journey of the traveler.