Bulldog - Ashtray - eckig - Earthenware - ashtray

A rare Guinness Bulldog Bottle Beer Ad Match Striker Holder (in English often referred to as a Vintage Guinness Bulldog Match Striker/Holder) is an extremely sought-after collectible from the realm of historic brewery premiums (Tobacciana & Breweriana).
Such objects usually date from the late 19th or early 20th century and were placed directly on the bar in pubs to enable customers to light pipes or cigarettes.
Historical background & significance
The Bulldog as a symbol: While Guinness today is best known for its harp logo or the toucan, the bulldog was frequently used as an advertising figure in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It stood for British-Irish tradition, strength, and reliability. In export markets such as Malaysia, the beer was historically even called “Black Dog Beer” due to the logo on the old bottles.
How it works: These holders typically have a rough, ribbed surface (often on the base, the pedestal, or the back of the dog) that serves as the rubbing surface (striker) for strike-anywhere matches. The hollow part (for example the head or a nearby placed cask) held the unignited matches.
Typical material variants & finishes
The rare advertising match holders were made from various materials depending on the production period:
- Cast iron or bronze: Heavy cast metal figures with the striking surface integrated directly into the metal.
- Ceramic or stoneware: Often produced by renowned English manufacturers such as Mintons or Carlton Ware on behalf of breweries. These variants usually feature colorful advertising inscriptions like "Guinness’s Stout" or the name of the bottle filler from the era.
Value and collectors market
Because of their age and the fact that many were damaged in pubs by moisture or falls, well-preserved originals today fetch high three-figure sums, rarely even four figures.

The object shown is a rare antique advertising ashtray with an integrated match striker (often also called a Vesta Holder or Match Striker) from the British brand Robert Porter & Co.
Details on the object
Product & brand: The inscription advertises the drink "Bull Dog" Bottled Beer. The round logo at the top shows the historic export label with a bulldog.
Manufacturer: These beers were distributed by the famous London bottling works Robert Porter & Co. Ltd. They filled, under the well-known brand "Bull Dog," among other beverages such as Guinness Stout, Bass Ale, and other beers for worldwide export.
Material: The base consists of glazed ceramic (stoneware) with blue transfer decoration.
Function: The design depicts a lying beer bottle on a pedestal. In the middle of the bottle is a recess where matches could be inserted. The rough, unglazed or textured edge surface was used to rub the strike-anywhere matches.

Damage:
- 4 small chips on the bottom
- 1 chip on the side
- minor chip on the bottle head

Otherwise good condition!!!