150 - 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.

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. Proceeds from the Peter Benchley Collection will benefit five ocean conservation organizations: Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, WildAid, Beneath the Waves, Blue Frontier and Environmental Defense Fund. CONDITION: The ceramic body shows prominent crazing throughout the blue water-textured glaze and the gray shark fin. Minor surface grime and dark specks are visible within the recesses of the textured waves. The green felt base has a straight linear separation across the upper third. No chips, cracks, or repairs are visible to the ceramic body. NOTICE TO BIDDERS: The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition. Photos are considered part of the condition report. Complete condition information is available by request, please request no later than 24 hours prior to the auction. All lots are offered and sold "as is", and Willow Auctions will not provide refunds based on condition. Timepiece movements, lighting and electrics have not been tested, and art has not been examined out of the frame unless otherwise stated.