I have a crab

Hi all anyone have an idea on what this crab is used for. Made of brass quite heavy and top lifts up to reveal a tray. Looks like remnants of ash on the inside started polishing tip that's why it's shinier. Cheers c

 

It's an ashtray. It should have a little glass liner for the ash cup. I have a friend that collects these.

 

Ashtray - I still have two brass ones and a black iron one - brass ones are the remnants of 12 purchased as ashtrays for a clambake themed dinner table in the 1970s. I think I have a housefly as well.................

 

I had a similar one that had a brass insert that could be removed to empty ashes. Mine had two claws and as I recall they may have been screwed on as they moved a little. You seem to be missing one claw.

 

Yeah, what SIS said....................after my third java jolt I may be coherent enough to snap a snap................

 

Coming to this late, but many folks buy these on etsy as brass seems so hot there and also they like brass animals or sea life etc for decorations.
Even if they don't smoke, they use it for display.

 

or an incense burner

 

I've also seen these without any insert, for ashtray or incense I suppose....in import shops. From India, likely.

 

I sort of guessed an ashtray but doesn't hold much ash that's why I want sure thanks so much for confirming looking closely is missing a claw they are welded on but considering I've seen crabs with only one claw this one's been in a fight thanks again happy purchase for 7 bucks

 

That's why we used them at the dinner table - you seldom smoked more than one or two between courses back then..............and they were taken away and emptied when used anyway, so size was not an issue (for once................)

 

Ew.

 

My niece has one that belonged to my mother who had a collection of brass animals that were ashtrays. There is also a turtle.