Playboy Club Ashtray Value Guide

This vintage orange glass ashtray is a quintessential piece of mid-century hospitality history from the original Playboy Club era. Featuring the iconic LeRoy Neiman-designed 'Femlin' character, these pieces served as both functional lounge decor and exclusive souvenirs for key-holding members.

What Is Playboy Club Ashtray Worth?

The typical price range for Playboy Club Ashtray is $75 - $90 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the Femlin and text graphics, as fading or chipping significantly reduces collector interest.
• Physical state of the glass, specifically looking for 'flea bites' or heat cracks along the cigarette rests.
• The vibrancy of the orange pigment, as sun-bleached or dull glass is less desirable.
• Historical provenance or association with specific original club locations like the 1960 Chicago flagship.

How to Identify Playboy Club Ashtray?

• Verify the presence of the 'Femlin' character graphic alongside the official Playboy Club typography.
• Check for the specific vibrant orange translucent glass characteristic of 1960s-1970s club production.
• Inspect the underside for consistent glass molding marks typical of United States manufacturing from that era.
• Ensure the graphic is fired into the glass rather than a modern decal application.

History of Playboy Club Ashtray

The Playboy Club was a chain of nightclubs and resorts owned and operated by Playboy Enterprises. The original club opened in Chicago in 1960. These establishments were famous for their 'Playboy Bunnies,' waitresses dressed in a distinctive costume, and for their exclusive atmosphere. Members were issued a special key, and memorabilia like this ashtray were popular souvenirs or promotional items.