Syroco Wood Ashtray Value Guide

Syroco Wood ashtrays are prized mid-century collectibles produced by the Syracuse Ornamental Company using a signature molded wood pulp and resin process. These pieces gained popularity by offering the sophisticated look of hand-carved wood at an accessible price point for the average American home.

What Is Syroco Wood Ashtray Worth?

The typical price range for Syroco Wood Ashtray is $20 - $40 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the finish, as the faux-wood stain can chip or wear away over time, especially around the rim.
• Presence of the original foil manufacturer label, which significantly increases the item's desirability to serious collectors.
• Complexity of the molded design within the basin, with more intricate or rare patterns commanding prices toward the $40 range.
• Signs of heat damage or cigarette burns, which are common in wood pulp utility items and can lower the market value.

How to Identify Syroco Wood Ashtray?

• Look for the distinctive 'Syroco Wood' or 'Syracuse Ornamental Co.' stamped or foil-labeled mark on the underside.
• Examine the texture for a heavy, dense feel that mimics wood grain but lacks the natural growth rings found in solid timber.
• Check the basin for intricate, molded relief patterns such as floral motifs or ornate scrolls characteristic of the 1940-1960 era.
• Identify the material composition, which is a specific blend of wood flour and binders that feels smoother and more uniform than carved oak or walnut.

History of Syroco Wood Ashtray

Syroco, an abbreviation for Syracuse Ornamental Company, was founded in 1890 in Syracuse, New York. They were renowned for their decorative molded wood pulp products, which offered an affordable alternative to traditional carved wood. These items, popular from the 1920s to the 1960s, often replicated intricate carvings and were widely used for home decor, including wall plaques, figurines, and utility items like ashtrays and trinket boxes.