Dale & Co. Ltd Ceramic Ashtray

Dale & Co. Ltd ceramic ashtray dating from the 1930s. The business was founded by Frederick Dale at the British Queen on Histon Road, Cambridge, in 1898. In 1902 he moved the brewery to Gwydir Street. The Company gained a reputation for the quality of its beers and in 1911 it won a gold medal at the Brewers International Exhibition for the best bottled beer. As a result a seven foot high copper replica of the Gold Cup was placed in front of the brewery buildings. After this award the Company advertised its beers with the slogan 'Champion Beers' and 'World Highest Award'. Fred Dale died in 1930 and his son Lt Colonel Guy Frederick Dale became the new Company Chairman. The brewery was acquired by Whitbread & Co. Ltd in 1954 and brewing ceased in 1958. The landmark Gold Cup was taken down by Whitbread's in 1961. The site was used as a store and depot until it was sold to Cambridge City Council in 1966. The Gwydir Street Brewery was redeveloped with some of the original buildings still standing. The manufacturer's mark states - Royal Doulton