Alan Fletcher Clam ashtray/dish. Retro 1970s/1980s Mebel, Italy, beige melamine. Vintage designer Habitat round matching bowls. Pentagram

A design classic by Alan Fletcher, this vintage two piece ashtray fits together clam-like to form a round squashed 'Edam' shape.

The original Clam design dates from the late 1960s and was put into production by Pentagram in 1972. The design was then produced by Mebel and made in Italy for Habitat - unsure of exact dates but I'd guess these Habitat versions date from mid 1970s to 1980s. This vintage/retro clam dish is the Mebel version, so circa 1970s or 1980s or so, and is signed inside 'Mebel - Italy - Des A Fletcher'. (I also have one of the Pentagram ones, and it looks identical and fits with this version. My dad used my other one to store his paperclips!).

It's a beautiful tactile rounded hard melamine plastic, fireproof and virtually indestructible (apparently). The two indentical pieces fit perfectly together. The rounded dips were intended for cigars/cigarettes.

Very good vintage condition. The 'teeth' have a couple of small surface chips/imperfections, as pictured. And has some scratch marks inside from being cleaned.

15.5cm wide. Apx 8cm high put together. A neutral beige, cream or taupe colour - very easy to fit in with any home decor.

Includes P&P to the UK.