Vintage EL AL Israel Airlines Bristol Britannia Ashtray 1950s New York Ad

Indulge in the elegance of mid-century aviation with this rare, original EL AL Israel Airlines porcelain ashtray, created to promote the iconic Bristol Britannia route to New York in the 1950s. A refined and evocative piece, it embodies the glamour, optimism, and sophistication of the golden age of international air travel.

This vintage ashtray is more than a functional object; it is a carefully designed piece of airline advertising, capturing the spirit of EL AL’s pioneering transatlantic service. The Bristol Britannia, celebrated in its day as the “Whispering Giant,” symbolized modern engineering, comfort, and prestige. This ashtray would have been used in lounges, offices, or promotional settings, subtly reinforcing the allure of flying EL AL to New York at a time when such journeys were reserved for the discerning traveler.

Crafted in Israel, the ashtray has a pleasing, practical form with gently contoured edges and a well-proportioned bowl, making it as aesthetically appealing as it is collectible. The printed advertising motif highlights EL AL Israel Airlines and its Bristol Britannia service, creating a compelling fusion of aviation history and mid-century graphic design. Its compact size, approximately 12 cm x 9 cm, makes it ideal for display in a cabinet, on a desk, or alongside other airline and travel memorabilia.

Key Features:

• Authentic 1950s EL AL Israel Airlines ashtray – Original period piece, not a reproduction.
• Promotes the Bristol Britannia route to New York – A classic image of mid-20th century transatlantic travel.
• Made in Israel – Reflecting the early years of EL AL as a national carrier.
• Vintage aviation and airline advertising collectible – Perfect for enthusiasts of aeronautica and travel history.
• Approximate size: 12 cm x 9 cm.

Condition:

This ashtray is in good vintage condition, especially considering its age. There are two small nicks to the bottom rear edge, which do not detract from its overall display appeal and are largely unobtrusive when viewed from the front or when the piece is displayed in a cabinet. The surface retains a pleasing, period-appropriate patina that underscores its authenticity and history.

A Luxurious Addition for Discerning Collectors

For collectors of airline memorabilia, EL AL collectibles, or mid-century design, this ashtray offers a rare opportunity to own a genuine artifact from the 1950s. It pairs beautifully with vintage travel posters, timetables, flight bags, and model aircraft, and will enhance any curated collection of porcelain, fine pottery, or travel-related ephemera.

Its understated elegance and evocative advertising imagery make it an excellent conversation piece. Whether displayed in a study, office, library, or living room, it brings with it the romance of early jet-age and turboprop travel: the promise of New York, the prestige of flying EL AL, and the quiet power of the Bristol Britannia.

Ideal For:

• Aviation and airline memorabilia collectors
• EL AL Israel Airlines enthusiasts
• Mid-century modern and 1950s design aficionados
• Collectors of vintage advertising and travel ephemera
• Those seeking a unique, historic gift for a lover of aviation or Israel’s history

This EL AL Israel Airlines Bristol Britannia ashtray is a sophisticated, historically resonant piece that elegantly bridges the worlds of fine ceramics, luxury travel, and mid-century design. A rare survivor from the 1950s, it offers both aesthetic charm and rich narrative value—an exceptional addition to any serious collection.