Historical information

It appears that this type of item was intended to be used or was used as a promotional item for the Wunderlich Ltd Terra Cotta factory in McIntyre Rd, North Sunshine. This factory made large ceramic veneer tiles for use on buildings such as the now demolished two Commonwealth Buildings on Spring St, Melbourne (green coloured tiles on buildings). This ashtray was made in 1966 by an employee who found the plaster mould among other moulds in the Terra Cotta factory. It is unknown when the mould was previously used to make ashtrays.



Wunderlich Ltd had several factories in Sunshine (asbestos sheets, ceramic veneers, aluminium windows) and a pipe factory in conjunction with Humes. It was a major employer in the Sunshine area. There are very few items in the S&DHS files regarding Wunderlich Ltd.

Physical description

Square shaped ceramic earthenware ashtray that is glazed with an off white coloured vitreous coating. The glaze is crazed and has some small chips in it.

Inscriptions & markings

"WUNDERLICH LTD CERAMIC VENEER" in relief writing on the top surface.

"Whisky 22-7-66" is incised into the bottom surface.