Ashtray or Pen Tray
Date1963
MediumPressed dark grey glass with gold and white transfer decoration
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width): 9 x 7in. (22.9 x 17.8cm)
Credit LineGift of Robert Grant Irving
DescriptionRectangular, translucent, pressed dark grey glass ashtray or pen tray with a plain edge and sides that slope gradually to a rectangular well. A gilded greek key band follows the rectangular edge. In the center, at the top, is the title, "Golden Anniversary Commemorative 1913-1963." Below this to the left is the symbol of the American Medical Association, showing a winged staff, or cadeucus, with two snakes twisted down the length of the staff. In the center of the tray is a gold and white bust of a man with short hair, wearing a suit and tie. To his right is the statement, "Dr. William David Coolidge/ - General Electric X-Ray/ researcher, who 50 years/ ago found the way to make/ brittle tungsten workable;/ and with it, created the high/ vacuum tube fundamental/ to modern radiography." To the right of this is an image of a standing woman, with her back to a tall object or machine, with a smaller square machine in front of her, being operated or manipulated by a seated person. Below these words and images is a second title, "Coolidge High Vacuum X-Ray Tube". Below that is a white printed device with a cylinder to the left, and a larger apparatus to the right. The back of the upper left corner of the tray has one very small chip.
Object number2000.61.5
NotesHistorical Note: Dr. William David Coolidge was a General Electric X-ray researcher. In 1913, his work led to a process by which tungsten, a brittle element, could be made workable. That breakthrough led to the creation of the high vacuum tube that enables modern radiography. (Hunt 5/26/2005)The image in the upper right corner of the tray depicts a woman being X-rayed by the seated individual. (Hudson 5/31/2005)
On View
Not on viewDavid Goodell