Pre-War Fromms Condom Triangular Ashtray

Pre-war 1930s Fromms Act condom advertisement triangular ashtray.

Fromms was the first mass produced condom manufacturer in the world (production starting in 1919). In fact, the name "Fromm" became synonymous with "condom" in Germany. The writing on the ashtray advertises "gummischwamm" which literally translates to "rubber sponge". This was due to a law passed in 1934 preventing advertising of contraception; in order to get around the law, Fromm would place signs in businesses saying "Ask for the real Fromm rubber sponges." Because of the founder's Jewish descent, they were forced to sell the company for a fraction of its value in 1938. The company was sold to Herman Göring's godmother. 

The ashtray is in good condition with only light wear. The bottom is marked "Franz Prause Nieder-Salzbrunn" (Nieder-Salzbrunn became a part of Poland in 1945). It measures about 5 1/2" at the widest.