Vintage Rastal for ‘Moninger Bier’ Porcelain Ashtray (Germany, 1960s)

Produced by Rastal for the bier company Moninger, during 1970s, this porcelain ashtray carries with it some legacy emanating from both it’s producer and the customer.

So, Rastal was founded in 1919, when Eugen Sahm opened the factory in Höhr-Grenzhausen, with a focus on glasses and pewter pitchers. In 1952, when Eugen passes, his sons Günter and Werner took over the company and steered it toward the future by reorganising the sales and field services, this boosting the exports o the company that specialised in brewery advertising and glass refined so that high-quality glasses in large volumes could be produced at favourable prices already at the beginning of the 1960s. From then on, Rastal has established itself as one of the key producers of contemporary pieces for the gastronomy trade, including glasses, beer pitchers, lamps, sings and ashtrays.

The first brand exclusive glass was produced in 1964 following the motto “Clothes distinguish people. Glasses distinguish beer”. [great marketing skills actually]

Moninger brewery has started production in 1856 in Karlsruhe - another important area in the porcelain and glass production. Stefan and his wife Marie Moninger led the brewery to gain notoriety, and even though Stefan passed away at an early age, Marie took over the management of the company alone - super unusual for a female to do so at the time - and in 1881, she took onboard her sons Karl, Stefan and Theodor.

The boys did a great job, continued their parents` work, invested in new technologies such as the Linde refrigeration machines and in 1904 introduced a new type of beer to the market that consisted of 95% dark beers: a mildly bitter, light beer, the so-called Kaiserbier - a light export.

The brewery was eventually sold during 1960s to a large corporation, the company’s philosophy of an family owned brewery and the passion for brewing were gradually lost, but in 2018, the Scheidtweiler brewing family, acquired the company and started once again to offer beers with a strong character, continuing the great brewing tradition of the Moninger family.  Many, many test brews later, in September 2021, the new Moninger beers wow launched, with two of them dedicated to the founding family: "Die Moni” - for export, is a tribute to the first generation and the key role of Marie Moninger and "Der Karl" honors the creativity and innovative spirit of the second generation around Karl Moninger.

So, when getting this, you don’t just get an ashtray, you get a limited edition piece, in mint condition, with a super sleek design and a touch of the elegance of a bygone time represented by that colloidal gold detail on the rim.

Product specifications

Country of manufacture — Germany

Condition —Excellent — This vintage/antique piece is in near original condition. It may show minimal traces of use.

Restoration and Damage Details — Patina consistent with age and use.

Material — Ceramic

Size — 14.5 cm Ø