Promotional ashtray

Both in historical and modern Szczecin, local businesses ensured proper advertising of their services. In addition to letterheads, stamps, and industry catalogues, they often used everyday items marked with the company’s name, address, or phone number, serving as promotional gadgets. One such item, preserved in the collection of the Museum of the History of Szczecin, is a triangular, blue-grey ashtray. Its shape and minimalist, elegant print reflect the modernist style of the interwar period. With its wide grooves, the ashtray was suitable for collecting ashes from both cigarettes and cigars. Two sides of the ashtray were printed with the name, address, and telephone number of the Szczecin-based factory for machinery and central heating, owned by Ernst Simon. In addition to machinery and heating systems, the company’s offer included water installations, passenger and freight elevators, and ventilation systems. Engineer Ernst Simon founded his company in 1896. By the following year, it was already listed in Szczecin’s address books, often highlighted with graphic distinction. Initially, the workshop was located at Turnerstrasse 33f (now Jagiellońska Street). In 1900 or 1901, the business moved to Kreckowerstrasse 24 (now Adama Mickiewicza Street). After operating for about two years at Kreckowerstrasse 80, the company finally settled at number 34 on the same street. Some Szczecin homes and apartments still have Ernst Simon’s original, fully functional radiators. Among the company’s innovative products were radiators combined with an overhead cabinet designed for drying and warming plates, ensuring that hot dishes served at the table stayed warm longer. Małgorzata Peszko