Bidspirit auction | Peter B. Benchley Ceramic Shark

Peter B. Benchley Ceramic Shark Fin Ashtray - Marked along the upper rim Peter B. Benchley, novelty ceramic ashtray. The shallow oval form features a textured turquoise-blue glaze designed to simulate ocean water with white-capped waves. A single, upright dorsal fin is positioned centrally, finished in a light gray crackle glaze. The rim is designed with three cigarette rests. The underside is fitted with a green felt protective base. 1” H x 8 1/2” L x 6 1/2” W. A throwback to a time when many people smoked, Peter among them. A fan sent it around 1975 or 1976, in the first flood of JAWS mail, with “Peter B. Benchley” in gold across the rim and, at the center, a white shark fin rising out of rippling blue water. From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940–2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation.