Nifty vintage souvenir china piece for Strasburg Rail Road in Strasburg, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (PA, Penn., Penna.) in what is known as "Amish Country" or Pennsylvania Dutch Country. This is an ashtray or ash tray which came out of an older person's home and we believe dates from the 1960's period based on the style and partial "Made in Japan" sticker still attached to the backside. The shape is like a sideways "s" with a swirl extension at two ends providing molded ridged spots to rest cigarettes. This makes the size roughly 6 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches, and it sits 1 inch in height. It is made of china or pottery and is not porcelain (it is not translucent). From a little internet research, Strasburg Rail Road is what is called a heritage railroad that operates short excursion trains which are pulled by steam locomotives. It is a popular tourist spot for those travelling to the area to experience the beautiful countryside and Amish way of life.

The railroad ashtray has a white china base, gold line edging, feathered line gold painting in the molded ciragette holder locations and a multi-color central graphic. The graphic has an orange oval at center with the words "Strasburg Rail Road" and three distinct scenes. Above the oval are shown two different steam engines trains which are labelled "Number 4 Camelback" and "Number 31 Steam Engine". Below the oval is the third graphic of a horse and buggy on a road waiting for a train to pass by, with the words underneath "The Road to Paradise". Paradise is the name of a town in this Amish area and the buggy is driven by a man in a hat which may be meant to depict an Amish gentleman. There is no manufacturer marking or date on the piece. The backside has only the small, very worn but still attached partial blue and white sticker which shows "DE IN JAPAN" with the "J" also only partially shown, but likely originally stated the full "Made in Japan". We've provided 8 images to try and show the varied features and close-ups. Please note that the white "hot spots" are lighting reflection on the glossy surface.

This piece is in wonderful condition for it's age. To us it looks unused and likely just sat on display. There are no chips, cracks, crazing, or scratches that we see. On the topside, there are several very small stain areas seen as orange spots/lines and stray dark dots/pin dots. On the bottomside there are also a few dark dots, dark wear on the ridged bottom on which the piece sits, and in one spot near the edge a dot of extra pottery which makes this feel a bit rough to the touch (not a chip). Really nothing here to worry about, it's a terrific looking piece.

A great addition to any collection of souvenir memorabilia related to Pennsylvania in general, the Lancaster area, PA Dutch Country, Strasburg or the Strasburg Rail Road in specific. Would make an interesting addition to a general collection of ashtrays or one related to trains and railroadiana.