Hedgehog Ashtray

Walter Bosse Hedgehog Ashtrays

Walter Bosse’s hedgehog ashtray is famous around the world, not only because the design was so well loved, but also because it was copied so widely and without restraint. In fact, one can seemingly find a counterfeit of Walter Bosse’s hedgehog ashtrays originating from almost every continent. The hedgehog ashtray set, designed and released sometime in the early 1950s, would become his most recognizable work. But the hedgehog set would also bring him the most grief. A set of the hedgehogs would even come to adorn the headstone on his grave after he died. And ironically, Walter Bosse did not smoke—even though his most well known design is an ashtray.

Walter Bosse Hedgehog Ashtrays Unstacked

The playful hedgehog ashtray set is a collection of six bowls, shaped like hedgehogs, that stack up and nest inside each other. The sixth hedgehog (the “baby” in the set) is actually what is known in German as a “gluttöter,” literally translated as “ember slayer.” But a better translation would be “cigarette snuffer” or “cigarette extinguisher.” Each hedgehog bowl is sand cast in solid brass, ground down or wire brushed, and given a black patina. The black patina is then selectively polished off to highlight specific areas of interest on the hedgehog ashtrays. The spines, ears, and noses were usually polished to a reflective shine. The hedgehog ashtrays were meant to be passed around at a party or enjoyed with a group of friends.

Walter Bosse’s hedgehog ashtrays and copyright law

Walter Bosse Copyright Law

We cannot discuss Walter Bosse’s hedgehog ashtrays without highlighting forgeries, copies, and corresponding lawsuits. Copyright law for artists in Europe was in its infancy when the hedgehog ashtrays debuted, and Walter Bosse fought until the end of his life to protect his work, knowing that not only could he benefit from these laws, but so would future generations of artists. With one case making it all the way to the Supreme Court in 1972 (RIS-Justiz RS0070569), his lawsuits set precedents and became the bedrock for artists to protect their works from exploitation. Below are some excerpts from the book Walter Bosse: Leben Kunst und Handwerk:

“Bosse moved into a vacant factory building around 1965. His big seller was the hedgehog ashtray, which could be seen everywhere. […] He wanted to be/remain independent and not sell himself out. His famous hedgehog ashtray alone could have made him a millionaire. The Woolworth company offered him millions to produce the hedgehog ashtray and other figures, which would have put an end to all his troubles in one fell swoop. But Bosse refused: I’m not going to be printed! (He meant mass production in some other factory).”

Konrad Zinkel (roughly translated from German)

In 1970, Walter Bosse wrote a letter to the editor of the journal Present in which he commented on his plagiarism problem as follows:

“I have a number of lawsuits in progress, for example against Ernst Westhelle, Iserlohn, who has already been severely punished, and against Kurt Jesch in Bleiburg, Carinthia. Against forgers in the rest of the world, I take action only on a case-by-case basis; it seems more favorable to pursue fakes with the dealers who import them. For example, one of my old customers, the Galerie Schöningen in Munich, has recently been purchasing my hedgehogs as copies from Italy.”

Walter Bosse (roughly translated from German)

In the year of Walter Bosse’s death, Present magazine (January 1979) wrote about Bosse’s hedgehog ashtray in their column “Originals + Plagiarisms”:

“If an example were needed to demonstrate artistic craftsmanship, then Walter Bosse’s bronze hedgehog ashtray could be considered such an example. Walter Bosse, old master of the Viennese school and unquestionably one of the most creative artisans, Iserlohn, created this hedgehog ashtray design. As an artistic object, Bosse’s hedgehog ashtray transforms into five ashtrays plus gluttöter. This excellent idea has resulted in a high sales volume, which has led this hedgehog ashtray to be sold all over the world. The fact it was copied in many countries in editions of millions without paying even one mark in royalties to the artist is a sad chapter.”

From Walter Bosse’s own accounts, he writes:

“Since I wrote this essay [1979], many millions of hedgehog ashtrays have been illegally manufactured. I will never find out exactly how many there are. I know of thirty workshops in the district of Iserlohn and at least six on Lake Como. From there, about two million hedgehogs must have been delivered to Woolworth, New York. Also there are items from Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines, India, etc. that must have gone to America in large quantities. The hedgehogs made in Russia seem to have been made in particularly large batches, because zinc injection molding requires expensive molds that are only really worth it if there is a very large production.”

Hedgehog Ashtrays in Print

For Walter Bosse’s hedgehogs being so famous across the globe, there is curiously very little actual evidence of them in print. Luckily we have a few catalogs and original advertisements we can glean some information from. And just as a courtesy, please do not use any my images without my permission.

Werbegeschenke aus Wiener Bronze

Original Walter Bosse black and white catalog page circa the 1960s from his time in Iserlohn titled "Werbegeschenke aus Wiener Bronze"

This catalog from 1965 has the first bit of proof of the hedgehog ashtrays in print. The cover is titled “Werbegeschenke aus Wiener Bronze — Walter Bosse • Wien, Iserlohn • Westdeuschland” which translates to “Vienna Bronze Promotional Gifts.” From the book “Walter Bosse — Leben Kunst un Handwerk” the caption reads:

“Cover of a Bosse catalog from the Iserlohn period. Even in Germany, Bosse thought of himself and his work as Viennese.” Interesting to note, by 1965 and according to Konrad Zinkel, we know that Bosse’s hedgehog ashtrays were already his best selling items.

Walter Bosse — Leben Kunst und Handwerk (translated from German)

Der Igel-Satzascher ges. gesch. (Gesetzlich Geschutzt) DM 29,50
kleine Ausfürung ... DM 19,50
5 Igel für die Asche, der kleinste ist ein Gluttöter. In Messing- oder Eisenkunstguß, patiniert und poliert, in schwartz-gold. 
Das sind gute Tiere, am Schreibtisch, am Rauchtisch oder sonstwo sorgen sie für freundliche Stimmung und guten Kontakt zwischen denen, die sich unterhalten. 
Wenn man will, kann man auf den Igeln mit einem Bleistift ein Liedchen spielen, vielleicht "Hänschen klein". 
Die Igelfamilie soll mindestens paarweise gekauft werden, so daß man einen Satz geschlossen und einen auseinander gesetz zeigen kann, zwischen die Stacheln klammt man Zigaretten. 
Der Igel ist DAS Herrengeschenk und damit als Werbepräsent ganz besonders geeignet.
Der Igel-Satzascher machte in wenigen Monaten einen nie dagenwesenen Siegeszug über die ganze Welt, er wird auch Ihr Herz erobern. 

Original Walter Bosse black and white catalog page circa the 1960s featuring his hedgehog ashtray

This interior page of the catalog gives us some of our first insights into Walter Bosse’s hedgehog ashtrays. The page reads:

“The Hedgehog Ashtray Set, trademark, DM (Deutsche Mark) 29.50
Smaller Size . . . . . . . . DM 19.50
5 hedgehogs to catch your ashes, with the smallest being a cigarette extinguisher. Cast in brass or artistic-cast iron, patinated and polished in black-gold.
They are good little creatures (sitting on the desk, at a smoking table or anywhere else) that create a friendly atmosphere and encourage conversation between everyone you entertain.
If you want, you can even play a little song on the hedgehogs by tapping on them with a pencil. Perhaps “Hänschen klein” (Little Hans) by Franz Wiedemann.
Every hedgehog family should be purchased as a pair so you can show one set stacked together and the the other set spread out with cigarettes set between the spines.
This hedgehog is THE gentleman’s gift and particularly suitable as a promotional gift.
In the relatively short number of months it has been out, our hedgehog ashtray has unexpectedly captured the world’s heart, and will hopefully win yours as well.”

Interestingly, the catalog page mentions you can purchase the complete 6 piece set for 29.50 Deutsche Marks, which is about $17 USD at the time, and about $68 present day. “Smaller versions” can also be purchased for 10 DM less (about $12, or $45 present day). We can’t be 100% certain if this meant the complete sets could be made smaller in size or if it meant they could be sold individually. From later catalogs we know each hedgehog ashtray in the set could be purchased separately with each having a separate price. This catalog seems to imply that the 6 piece sets could be purchased in a smaller size for a discounted price. We do know the sets vary in size, but not by that much. There is also an XL set in existence, but it does not really look like the ones shown in the photos. The most likely interpretation is probably that you could buy a 5 piece set (minus the largest hedgehog) for a “smaller” version.

Another interesting thing to note: the catalog seems to imply that the hedgehog ashtrays had only been released a few months before its publication. Of course, we don’t know when this catalog was first designed, printed and released, but this version was from 1965. So it is possible that the first hedgehogs were released in around 1965. What we do know is that Walter Bosse was living in Iserlohn by 1953. So 1953 is the earliest the hedgehogs could have been designed. According to Hans Waldstätten:

“If I remember correctly, W. B. disappeared from Vienna in the night around January or February 1953.”
And the book “Walter Bosse — Leben Kunst un Handwerk” notes that as of February 1953, Bosse was registered at Weil am Rhein, Germany as having moved from Vienna.”

Hans Waldstätten (roughly translated from German)

Walter Bosse vintage brass stacking hedgehog ashtray set with black patina and polished gold highlights

I believe the above set is most similar to the ones in the catalog photos above. If we just focus on the images of the hedgehogs depicted in this catalog page you can see some specific characteristics that make up these sets. The largest hedgehog has a long nose and legs and the ears are also polished gold. The applied black patina has a subtle mix between a semi-gloss and matte finish. Overall, the polishing has that more subtle feathered look (as opposed to the sharper and bolder polishing). Most important is the “baby” or gluttöter in the set which has fully formed long legs. All these characteristics together are indicative of Walter Bosse’s earliest know hedgehog ashtray sets.

Advertising Sheet 1965-1970

Original Walter Bosse black and white catalog page circa the 1960s featuring his hedgehog ashtray

This page is published in the book “Walter Bosse — Leben Kunst un Handwerk” with the caption:

“Es gibt immer Gelegenheit, anderen Freunde zu machen…
Werbeblätter für Messen und Einzelhandel, um 1965/70.”

This translates to:

“There is always an opportunity to make friends with one another…
Advertising sheets for trade-shows and retailers, used from 1965-1970″

We’re not sure what the quote is in reference to (possibly title of the catalog?) but it seems to encapsulate the spirit of what Walter Bosse was trying to create with his hedgehog ashtrays and other animal creations. These trade-shows introduced Walter Bosse’s hedgehog ashtrays to potential retailers around the world. Unfortunately, it is at these same trade shows where those retailers, who instead of purchasing them directly from Bosse, decided it would be easier to take his designs and counterfeit them for themselves.

Original Walter Bosse black and white catalog page circa the 1960s featuring his hedgehog ashtray reading: Der Igelsatzascher, hübsch, originell und praktisch ist das ideale Geschenk für jede Gelegenheit."

The text on the advertising sheet reads:

“This hedgehog ashtray set, while cute, original and functional, is the ideal gift for any occasion.
5 and 6-piece sets
(Prices in Deutsche Marks, wholesale) 13.50, 17.50, 19.50, 25.50, 29.50, 120.-“

It’s difficult to understand exactly what these prices are in reference to. If I had to guess I would say that the hedgehog ashtray “sets” start as a set of 2 and move up to a set of 6. The last most expensive price of DM 120 could be a discounted wholesale price if you buy 5 complete 6 piece sets together, as that price would be a slight discount off of the DM 29.50 each price. If the hedgehog ashtrays were only ever sold as “sets” the baby itself would not be considered a “set” but just a single figurine, so we can infer that the baby was possibly never sold on its own, but at the very least a part of a 2 piece set. If this is the case, the chart would look something like this:

  • 2 piece set – DM 13.50
  • 3 piece set – DM 17.50
  • 4 piece set – DM 19.50
  • 5 piece set – DM 25.50
  • 6 piece set – DM 29.50
  • Quantity 5 – 6 piece sets – DM 120.00

If you take the prices in this catalog and compare them with the earlier catalog, the price of the 6 piece set is the same DM 29.50, but the the price of the smaller set or 5 piece set is now DM 25.50 instead of the previous DM 19.50. It is conceivable that the price of the 5 piece set got a little more expensive over time.

Focusing in again on the image in the catalog page, we see it is the exact same as the image used in the previous 1965 Walter Bosse catalog. So the same photograph was used again in the later catalog. We can infer from this that the hedgehog ashtrays including a baby with fully formed long legs could have been manufactured all the way up until at least the 1970s.

Bronze-Relief

This last catalog page is a new addition to our collection, thanks to a generous donation from Hans Hagen Hottenroth, one of the authors of Walter Bosse: Leben Kunst un Handwerk and owner of Scheibbs Museum. This later catalog, likely used sometime around the 1970s and later, was created by the casting foundry “Bronze Relief” owned by Alexander Jost in Sümmern, Germany. According to the book:

“Walter Bosse had purchased larger quantities of his castings from Alexander Jost and couldn’t pay, so Jost tried to market Bosse’s models himself.”

Hans Hagen Hottenroth from Walter Bosse — Leben Kunst un Handwerk

Vintage Bronze Relief catalog page from the 1970s and after showing Walter Bosse's hedgehog ashtrays.

So it is possible this catalog came directly from “Bronze Relief,” which is why Walter Bosse’s name was scrubbed from all the documentation. Another interpretation is this catalog could have been produced in collaboration with Walter Bosse to market his items before he defaulted on paying them. The later is actually possible because it seems “Bronze Relief” did have access to some of Bosse’s original marketing photos from his previous catalogs. Of course, they could have just had one of his previous catalogs and copied the images directly out of them without his knowledge also.

The image shows the hedgehogs under the name “Dekorative Aschenbecher” or “Decorative Ashtray” with the model numbers A 35 for a 6 piece set, A 34 for a 5 piece set, and A 33 for a 4 piece set. No prices are shown. This image of the hedgehog ashtrays looks similar to the ones from the previous two catalogs. But upon closer inspection, they have just copied the exact layout of the previous image with their own hedgehog models. The fully stacked set in the background appears to be a brass set with a matte black patina with sharper polishing only on the spines and nose. The nose and legs are a nice length as well. We cannot see the baby in this set, but we can assume it is similar to the one in foreground, with a flat base and incised X legs. The image is most similar to this style of hedgehog below:

The hedgehog in the foreground of the catalog page seems to be most similar to the crudely done aluminum ones I have seen. They are actually spray painted with black paint since the patination process does not work the same way on aluminum. The paint is then ground off with a wire brush or sandpaper wheel, which gives the spines and nose an angular look. They do not have a high-shine polished look, but more of a matte brushed look. The ears on the first three hedgehog ashtrays are polished as well. See photos of an aluminum set below:

Walter Bosse vintage aluminum stacking hedgehog ashtray set with black patina and polished silver highlights

Because the image is not in color, it is hard to tell the difference between the two sets shown. It could also be that the set in the foreground is just one of the more crudely finished hedgehog sets made in brass with the same technique. Both the aluminum set and the crude brass sets share sharply polished ears and noses. They also have angular (not rounded) spines and noses. See photos below of that style of set.

Walter Bosse vintage brass stacking hedgehog ashtray set with black patina and polished gold highlights

Walter Bosse vintage brass stacking hedgehog ashtray set with black patina and polished gold highlights

It is interesting to see two hedgehog ashtrays with significantly different finishing techniques applied to them. It makes you wonder why the aluminum one was done so crudely if they had the knowledge to make them nicer. But maybe it was just a cost savings thing? One thing is for sure, the aluminum ones must not have sold very well because they are extremely hard to find nowadays.

Walter Bosse’s Headstone

The last image we have of Walter Bosse’s hedgehog ashtrays are of the ones adorning his headstone. Mr. Sprenger, Walker, Hoos and Jesch all collected money to create this wonderful tribute to Walter Bosse, who died without any money. Interestingly, the set seems to be made intentionally with 5 pieces, instead of the usual 6. The hedgehogs also appear to be made of bronze, which would withstand the elements better than brass. They are also much larger in size, almost twice the size of the regular sets. I’m not sure much information can be gleaned from the hedgehogs on his gravestone as they seem to have been created especially for this purpose. They are at least a fitting tribute to his life and his work. The headstone now rests in the Wiener Bezirksmuseum, protected from the elements and able to be visited by the public. We took these photos below of the headstone on our visit to the museum:

FAQ / Frequently Asked Questions

My hedgehog ashtrays aren’t marked, are they real?

Most likely, yes! 90% of all authentic Walter Bosse’s vintage hedgehog ashtrays on the market are unmarked. It is probably a good sign that your hedgehog set is not marked because it is far more common to find them unmarked than marked. The second most common mark you will find on the hedgehogs is the faint “SDL” mark and the third most common mark is the “Germany” or “Made in Germany” mark. But these are still quite rare.

I would like to purchase an original Walter Bosse hedgehog ashtray. Do you sell them?

Yes! We have our current stock of hedgehogs listed in our store. All hedgehog ashtray sets we sell are authenticated as original Walter Bosse designs.

Check back often as our stock is continually rotating.

What’s with hedgehog ashtrays marketed as Herta Baller for Walter Bosse?

As far as we can find, Herta Baller never manufactured, sold or marketed hedgehog ashtrays. I am not sure how this attribution came about, but this is one of the circumstance where this is not correct. We have catalogs contemporary to the time (1950s) and the hedgehog ashtrays are not present on any of the pages. Considering this was the most famous Walter Bosse design of all time, it is strange that it would not be included. Unless, of course, it was created after he handed over his company to Herta Baller in the late 1940s. I think it is safe to assume he designed his famous hedgehog ashtrays sometime after 1949 in Germany, where he fled to start a re-create his business from the ground up. This matches up with the fact that most marked sets have a “Germany” related mark on them.

My hedgehog ashtrays are dull/tarnished. Should I polish them or leave them alone?

The official answer?: Walter Bosse stated in one of his catalogs that his items should be refreshed with a silver polishing cloth every year to keep them bright. Every collector has their own preferences about the “originality” of an item. If you look at the hedgehogs from a conservator’s perspective, some of the later sets were given a shiny coat of varnish which has yellowed over time. That varnish was likely clear at the time of application and thus the yellowed varnish was not what Walter Bosse was originally intending for his hedgehogs. Removing that varnish from the spines and re-polishing them can be a time-consuming but rewarding process. Especially if some of the varnish has chipped and has left the gold-polished areas partly tarnished in a splotchy way. As far as all-gold polished sets go, they can be the most time consuming to polish and I would recommend leaving them as they are because the signs of age are more desirable. But if you are mainly worried about destroying the value of a hedgehog ashtray, generally, we think you should go for what makes you happiest as that is what Walter Bosse wanted his creations to do most for humanity!

My the black patina on my hedgehog ashtray is flaking or chipping off and looks like paint. Is it real?

Good question! Most of Walter Bosse’s hedgehog ashtrays have an acid etched patina on them. Since the patina is a part of the metal, it does not chip or flake like paint. It does wear off, albeit in a more subtle way. That being said, some of the later sets made in the 1970s and possibly even 1980s were made by applying a black enamel paint layer. So if you see chipping, your set could be one of these later ones. It could also be that someone (recently or in the past) painted over an authentic gold set. Or someone could have tried to restore a damaged set. If you’re not sure, contact us for an evaluation.

How much is my hedgehog ashtray worth?

We currently do not give out monetary values for hedgehog ashtrays because the amount is highly subjective. In some circumstances we can provide values for insurance purposes only.

How old is my hedgehog ashtray?

There are a number of ways we can determine the age of a hedgehog ashtray. The earliest sets are from the 1950s and can usually be identified by the “baby” having fully formed legs. The noses of the largest hedgehog are usually longer and the legs of all the hedgehogs are also longer, making the fully stacked set taller than the later sets. Casting and finishing was also finer and had more attention to detail, leaving the sets with a smoother finish, less casting flaws and. Polishing was also subtle and more feathered and the ears of the first three hedgehogs were also often polished.
Later 1960s sets have a baby with X legs or a bar separating the legs. More rare is a baby with just a flat base and no legs incised at all. These sets often have an original coat of varnish, making the black patina appear shinier. These hedgehog ashtrays often have a sandier texture and are less smooth. The gold polishing is sharper with a more subtle feather. The legs are shorter and the noses are often shorter. These sets were often manufactured by by “Kurt Jesch KG.”
The latest 1970s sets have extremely sharp polishing and often have replaced the black patina with shiny black paint. They often have gold polished eyes and ears on the first 3 hedgehog ashtrays. These sets are more crude with more casting flaws and very sharp angles on the spines, noses and ears where they were ground down. They were likely manufactured by the company “Bronze Relief” or “Kühn KG Fröndenberg.”

My hedgehog has verdigris or green patina/coloration. Is it real?

We are inclined to say no. Although these sets may have been made with original molds or masters, our latest research shows that these sets were most likely made by the same foundries making open-mouth fish ashtrays which are often attributed to Walter Bosse but are not made by him. Some of these items are marked with a “M.i.Germany” mark, though a hedgehog with that exact marking has never been found. The quality and shape of these are usually poor with chips and casting flaws. For more information and further reading, see our in depth article about green verdigris here.

My hedgehog ashtray is silver in color, is it real?

There are 4 known types of hedgehog ashtrays that Walter Bosse made, and all are extremely rare: 1) fully nickel plated over brass, 2) aluminum with black painted patina from the 1970s, 3) experimental versions in iron/cast iron, 4) chrome plated over brass. For more information and further reading about authentic rare hedgehogs, see our in depth article here. If it has red gems of eyes it is a Japanese fake. Most silver colored sets on the market are Russian fakes. For more information and further reading about fake hedgehogs, see our in depth article here. If you’re not sure, contact us for an evaluation.

What if my hedgehog ashtray has flaws, pits, a rough texture or shorter/missing spines?

These types of things are often not a sign that hedgehog ashtrays are not authentic, but more a sign of the later age of a set. Most common are partial or super short spines. The spines were often the first thing to be lost in casting and so were just ground down as long as they were partially there. Cast iron sets in particular are a mess. Unfortunately the quality of Walter Bosse’s hedgehog ashtrays actually seemed to get worse over time, not better. As he contracted out to casting foundries and often didn’t have money to pay them back, they took his designs and ran with them. They made and sold them without his knowledge and oversight and took their own artistic license with them as they got further and further removed from his artistic vision. For example, Walter Bosse contracted with the company “Bronze Relief.” He wasn’t able to pay them for an order so they began casting and selling his items themselves. “Bronze Relief” then sold their company and Walter Bosse’s molds and casting rights to “Kühn KG Fröndenberg” even though they had no right to do so. Kühn, shocked, soon found themselves the subject of a lawsuit by Walter Bosse. Bosse won that lawsuit, though posthumously, and without anyone to fight them anymore, Kühn KG Fröndenberg resumed selling Walter Bosse’s work after his death in the 1970s.

Do you sell replacement hedgehog ashtrays if my set is missing a particular one?

Yes! Contact us or check our store for the latest inventory. It can be inferred from his catalogs that Walter Bosse sold sets by the piece even during his time. You could choose from 2 piece set all the way up to the standard 6 piece set. As a rule, we never break up complete sets for sale (they will always be partial). But if your set is partial, it may have been purchased that way! Remember, because sets from different eras all have different characteristics you want to match the sets appropriately. Generally, we number the sets in ascending order for easy identification, so the largest hedgehog is #1 in the set and the baby is #6. Each hedgehog in the set has a particular characteristic that makes it unique to that numbering system, so you want to make sure you get the right one that you are missing. Of course, you don’t have to collect a whole set either but can just buy the hedgehog bowls you like the most. We don’t often have “baby” hedgehogs for sale as they are rare and are often the first ones to be lost, but that might change in the future!

My hedgehog doesn’t have any black patina, is it real?

See our article here about gold vs. black patina. If you want to learn more about rare hedgehogs, including gold ones, see our article here.

Are all Walter Bosse’s hedgehog ashtrays really unique?

Yes! Since they were all made and finished by hand (and not mass produced) they all seem to have little idiosyncrasies that make them unique from each other. Walter Bosse valued the unique look that came from making his hedgehog ashtrays by hand in small batches and resisted the urge to mass-produce them. Although authentic sets share a set of common attributes, often their eyes (which were drilled by hand after casting) are in difference places. Some sets have spines that were polished subtly and some very bright and bold. Some feet and noses are shorter or longer. Even the black patina ranges from super dark black, to brown to even grey and can be ultra matte or super shiny. A lot of these things depend on finishing techniques, but some come from the sand casting process. If you want to see a collection of all the hedgehog ashtrays we’ve come across or sold over the years to see how they all differ from each other, you can find that on our blog here.

How common are all-gold fully polished brass hedgehog ashtrays?

Fully polished hedgehog ashtrays are the second most common styles of Walter Bosse’s hedgehog ashtrays, but that does not mean there are many of them. In fact, they are still quite rare! 95% of the hedgehogs on the market have the black patina. Only about 3% of the remaining hedgehogs are polished gold, with the remaining 2% a mix of the other rare materials (nickel, aluminum, cast, iron, etc.). See below for our rarity ratings on the most common hedgehog ashtrays on the market. For more information and further reading about authentic rare hedgehogs, see our in depth article here.

My hedgehog ashtray is marked with a strange wordmark or logo, is it real?

If the logo is winged it is a fake early Russian marking from the factory “Авиаприбор” or “Aviapribor” the previous name of the factory before it was changed to “1МПЗ (1MPZ).” If the logo is a wordmark made of a short 3 letter/number combo it is a fake later Russian marking from the factory “1МПЗ (1MPZ)”. If it has “Greece” on it and a deer/ibex/goat logo it is a fake Greek set. Any marking besides something referring to Germany or Austria is likely not authentic. Walter Bosse’s hedgehogs are usually not marked, and when they are it is usually only with a mark relating to Germany or Austria. For more information and further reading about fake hedgehogs, see our in depth article here.

My hedgehog ashtrays have a furry texture, are they real?

Furry texture is usually and indication that the ashtrays are either Russian fakes or Japanese fakes. Walter Bosse’s hedgehog ashtrays have a smooth outer texture on the body. For more information and further reading about fake hedgehogs, see our in depth article here.

My set is WAY bigger and heavier than a regular hedgehog ashtray, is it authentic?

If everything else on the authentication list checks out this is possibly one of the rare XL sets. They are 1100 grams instead of the usual 800 and are 5.75″ long instead of the usual 4.75 inches. The spines and noses on the sets are extra long as well. For more information and further reading about authentic rare hedgehogs, see our in depth article here.

I have a ceramic set of hedgehog ashtrays/bowls, are they real?

No, these were copies made by ESTE in Italy and came in white, yellow and gold plated. They also came in sets of 4 and 6. There are also some rare fake ceramic sets made in Japan that are glazed in black with gold leaf and red eyes. For more information and further reading about fake hedgehogs, see our in depth article here.

I have a fake hedgehog ashtray. How should I feel about it and what should I do with it?

Treasure it and learn about it’s origins and the artist who originally created it! You’re here on this website so you’re already doing great! If you are going to sell it, do not sell it as a “Bosse” and don’t try to deceive someone. You can also learn all about the different fakes from our in depth article here.

Ratings & reviews: Walter Bosse’s Hedgehogs

We have compiled the most complete list of all known Walter Bosse hedgehog ashtrays in order to rate them on desirability and rarity. This information is of course subjective, but based on our ongoing research since 2008. We hope you will at least find this resource helpful. Each set is unique and slightly different from the next in enigmatic ways. Below we will categorize and breakdown the most common versions of Walter Bosse’s hedgehog ashtrays and list their pros and cons.

Authentic Hedgehog Ashtrays

Walter Bosse Hedgehog Ashtrays

Walter Bosse Early Brass Hedgehog Ashtray Set

  • Rating: 10/10
  • Star Rating: ★★★★★
  • Authenticity: Real
  • Rarity: Uncommon
  • Era: 1950s – 1960s

Pros: Earliest known style of hedgehogs, very detailed casting, smooth finishing, nose is long and has a little bulb at the end, ears are nicely cast, rich black-brown colored patina, matte finish, closest to Bosse’s original vision, made directly by or with supervision from Bosse, subtle feathered gold polishing, ears are highlighted with a polishing, legs are long, baby has fully formed long legs, overall a nice domed shape when the set is fully stacked, all hedgehogs in the set have long legs, eyes are well drilled, can be the only sets with “Made in Germany” markings

Cons: Most expensive, eyes can look a little funny and too close together, doesn’t have as much of that “classic” Walter Bosse hedgehog ashtray look, patina can be light/fragile

Walter Bosse vintage brass stacking hedgehog ashtray set with black patina and polished gold highlights

Walter Bosse Brass Hedgehog Ashtray Set

  • Rating: 9/10
  • Star Rating: ★★★★★
  • Authenticity: Real
  • Rarity: Common
  • Era: 1950s – 1960s

Pros: Earlier style of hedgehogs, more classic Bosse hedgehog ashtray look, detailed casting with smooth finishing, nose is long and has a little bulb at the end, patina varies from dark black to black-brown, more semi-gloss or matte finish, closest to Bosse’s original vision, made directly by or with supervision from Bosse, subtle feathered gold polishing, ears are highlighted with a polishing, legs are long, baby has fully formed long legs, overall a nice domed shape when the set is fully stacked, all hedgehogs in the set have long legs, eyes are well drilled and wider apart

Cons: Casting flaws can often be present, patina can be light/fragile, ears can have less detail, baby can have less detail

Walter Bosse Hedgehog Ashtrays

Walter Bosse Brass Hedgehog Ashtray Set

  • Rating: 8/10
  • Star Rating: ★★★★★
  • Authenticity: Real
  • Rarity: Very Common
  • Era: 1960s

Pros: Classic Walter Bosse hedgehog ashtray look, polishing is bold and bright, smooth finishing, noses can be long or short, rich black colored patina, closest to Bosse’s original vision, made with Bosse’s original molds/masters, baby has good detail but X legs, eyes are well drilled, fully polished nose, eyes are well drilled and wider apart, can often be marked with the “SDL” remnant marking

Cons: Casting quality and detail varies, can look more shiny, sometimes has a sandy casting texture, often has a coating of varnish that has yellowed over time, uneven tarnishing, casting flaws are more common, baby is less detailed (X legs), noses can be shorter, ears have less detail, overall shape when stacked can vary and sometimes looks short, legs can often be shorter in length, possibly manufactured by Kurt Jesch KG

Walter Bosse Hedgehog Ashtrays

Walter Bosse Brass Hedgehog Ashtray Set

  • Rating: 7/10
  • Star Rating: ★★★★
  • Authenticity: Real
  • Rarity: Very Common
  • Era: 1970s

Pros: Polishing is bold and bright, smooth finishing, noses can be long or short, rich black colored patina, closest to Bosse’s original vision, made with Bosse’s original molds/masters, baby has good detail but X legs, fully polished nose, eyes are well drilled and wider apart, baby can often have fully formed legs or X legs, ears are often polished, sets are often well proportioned, sometimes the eyes can be drilled after the patina was applied and can be golden inside

Cons: Casting quality and detail varies widely, can look more shiny, sometimes has a sandy casting texture, uneven tarnishing, casting flaws are more common, baby is less detailed, noses can be shorter, ears have less shape, polishing is more crude, spines and noses are ground and finished in a more angular way, eyes can be gold inside, possibly manufactured by Bronze Relief/Kühn KG Fröndenberg

Walter Bosse Hedgehog Ashtrays

Walter Bosse Early Polished Brass Hedgehog Ashtray Set

  • Rating: 9/10
  • Star Rating: ★★★★★
  • Authenticity: Real
  • Rarity: Very Rare
  • Era: 1950s – 1960s

Pros: Earliest known style of hedgehogs, quite rare, very detailed casting, high shine and smooth finishing, nose is long, ears are nicely cast, bold all-gold polishing is very rare, closest to Bosse’s original vision, made directly by or with supervision from Bosse, legs are long, baby has fully formed long legs but can sometimes have X legs as well, overall a nice domed shape when the set is fully stacked, all hedgehogs in the set have long legs, eyes are well drilled

Cons: Most expensive, eyes can look a little funny and too close together, doesn’t have as much of that “classic” Walter Bosse hedgehog ashtray look, patina can be light/fragile, ears can have funky drilled holes
Cons – Casting quality and detail varies widely, sometimes has a sandy casting texture, uneven tarnishing, casting flaws are more visible, patina can be fragile or scratch easily

For more information and further reading about rare hedgehogs, see our in depth article here.

Walter Bosse Hedgehog Ashtrays

Walter Bosse Polished Brass Hedgehog Ashtray Set

  • Rating: 7/10
  • Star Rating: ★★★★
  • Authenticity: Real
  • Rarity: Rare
  • Era: 1970s

Pros: Very high shine polishing, relatively rare, noses can be long or short, closest to Bosse’s original vision, made with Bosse’s original molds/masters, eyes are well drilled and wider apart, baby can have X legs, sets are often well proportioned, very bold bright look, shows off detail well, nice addition to a collection

Cons: Casting quality and detail varies widely, sometimes has a sandy casting texture, uneven tarnishing, casting flaws are more common and are more visible, baby is less detailed (X legs), ears have less detail, overall shape when stacked can vary and sometimes looks short, legs can often be shorter in length, possibly manufactured by Kurt Jesch KG

For more information and further reading about rare hedgehogs, see our in depth article here.

Walter Bosse Copper Hedgehog Ashtray

Walter Bosse Copper / Bronze Hedgehog Ashtray Set

  • Rating: 8/10
  • Star Rating: ★★★★
  • Authenticity: Real
  • Rarity: Unique / One of a Kind
  • Era: 1960s

Pros: Very rare an possibly one of kind, smooth finishing, casting quality is excellent, nose is a great length, ears are well detailed, subtle brown-black patina, closest to Bosse’s original vision, made with Bosse’s original molds/masters, baby has good detail with fully formed legs, eyes are well drilled, eyes are well drilled and wider apart, overall shape when stacked is well proportioned

Cons: Patina is more subtle and didn’t take as well, less of that “classic” Bosse hedgehog look, polishing isn’t as bright, lighter weight, experimental model

For more information and further reading about rare hedgehogs, see our in depth article here.

Walter Bosse XL Hedgehog Ashtray

Walter Bosse Brass XL Hedgehog Ashtray Set

  • Rating: 9/10
  • Star Rating: ★★★★★
  • Authenticity: Real
  • Rarity: Extremely Rare / Unique
  • Era: 1950s – 1960s

Pros: Very rare (only 2 are known), earlier style of hedgehogs, very heavy weight, super long spines and nose, detailed casting with smooth finishing, patina is a rich black-brown, more semi-gloss or matte finish, close to Bosse’s original vision, made directly by or with supervision from Bosse, subtle feathered gold polishing, legs are long, baby has X legs with super long spines, overall a massive domed shape when the set is fully stacked, all hedgehogs in the set have long legs, eyes are well drilled and wider apart

Cons: Extremely rare and often expensive, crazy looking, less of that “classic” Bosse hedgehog ashtray look, difficult to find, impossible to locate replacement parts for

For more information and further reading about rare hedgehogs, see our in depth article here.

Walter Bosse Hedgehog Ashtrays - All Ears

Walter Bosse Brass Hedgehog Ashtray Set with Ears

  • Rating: 9/10
  • Star Rating: ★★★★★
  • Authenticity: Real
  • Rarity: Extremely Rare / Unique
  • Era: 1960s

Pros: Very rare (only 3 are known), earlier style of hedgehogs, very heavy weight, super long thick nose on the largest hedgehog, detailed casting with very smooth finishing, patina is a rich black-brown, semi-gloss to matte finish, likely made directly by or with supervision from Bosse, subtle feathered gold polishing, baby has excellent detail with short but fully formed legs and 1 extra spine on its back, eyes are well drilled, ears are all extremely well detailed and present on all 6 hedgehogs

Cons: Extremely rare and often expensive, less of that “classic” Bosse hedgehog ashtray look, difficult to find, impossible to locate replacement parts for, legs are a bit short, eyes are close together, shorter overall shape when the set is fully stacked

For more information and further reading about rare hedgehogs, see our in depth article here.

Walter Bosse vintage aluminum stacking hedgehog ashtray set with black patina and polished silver highlights

Walter Bosse Aluminum Hedgehog Ashtray Set

  • Rating: 4/10
  • Star Rating: ★★★
  • Authenticity: Real
  • Rarity: Very Rare
  • Era: 1970s – 1980s

Pros: Extremely rare, often inexpensive, authentic, the only authentic black and silver colored set put into production (not a prototype) , likely produced with original molds/masters, lightweight, easy care, not easily damaged, 6 piece set

Cons: Not particularly appealing, far removed from Bosse’s original vision, manufactured by Bronze Relief/Kühn KG Fröndenberg, painted and not patinated, crudely finished

For more information and further reading about rare hedgehogs, see our in depth article here.

Walter Bosse German Silver Hedgehog Ashtrays

Walter Bosse Nickel Hedgehog Ashtray Set

  • Rating: 9/10
  • Star Rating: ★★★★★
  • Authenticity: Real
  • Rarity: Very Rare
  • Era: 1950s – 1960s

Pros: Extremely rare (5 sets are known), authentic, unique silver color, likely produced with original molds/masters, the only authentic silver colored set put into production (not a prototype), lightweight, easy care, not easily damaged, detailed casting, extremely smooth finishing, nose is long, made directly by or with supervision from Bosse, legs are a good length and well proportioned, baby has good detail with X legs, overall a nice domed shape when the set is fully stacked, eyes are well drilled and wider apart

Cons: Casting flaws can often be very visible, patina can be fragile and wear off to reveal brass, scratches easily, ears can have less detail, baby can have less detail, less of that “classic” Bosse hedgehog look, can show fingerprints

For more information and further reading about rare hedgehogs, see our in depth article here.

Walter Bosse Hedgehog Ashtray - Chrome Plated

Walter Bosse Chrome Hedgehog Ashtray Set

  • Rating: 10/10
  • Star Rating: ★★★★★
  • Authenticity: Real
  • Rarity: Unique / One of a Kind
  • Era: 1950s – 1960s

Pros: Extremely rare and possibly one of a kind, possible prototype, authentic, unique high-shine silver color, likely produced with original molds/masters, extremely smooth finishing, nose is long, made directly by or with supervision from Bosse, very bold and bright, legs are a good length and well proportioned, baby has good detail with X legs, overall a nice domed shape when the set is fully stacked, eyes are well drilled and wider apart

Cons: Patina can be fragile and wear off to reveal base metal, scratches easily, ears can have less detail, baby can have less detail, less of that “classic” Bosse hedgehog look, shows fingerprints like crazy, insides of the bowls have worn unevenly

For more information and further reading about rare hedgehogs, see our in depth article here.

Walter Bosse Cast Iron Hedgehog Ashtrays

Walter Bosse Cast Iron Hedgehog Ashtray Set

  • Rating: 3/10
  • Star Rating: ★★
  • Authenticity: Real
  • Rarity: Rare
  • Era: 1960s

Pros: Rare (3 are known), authentic, all black matte finishing, likely produced with original molds/masters, heavyweight, easy care, not easily damaged, made directly by or with supervision from Bosse, legs are a good length and well proportioned, overall a nice domed shape when the set is fully stacked

Cons: Less expensive, casting flaws are rampant, prone to spots of rust, overall less detail, flashing and overcasting can be present, baby has less detail, less of that “classic” Bosse hedgehog look, super sandy texture, eyes and ears can be missing, spines can be missing, no polishing or highlights

For more information and further reading about rare hedgehogs, see our in depth article here.

Walter Bosse Steel Hedgehog Ashtrays

Walter Bosse Black Steel Hedgehog Ashtray Set

  • Rating: 6/10
  • Star Rating: ★★★
  • Authenticity: Real
  • Rarity: Unique / One of a Kind
  • Era: 1950s – 1960s

Pros: Extremely rare and possibly one of a kind, authentic, unique silver and black color, likely produced with original molds/masters, well detailed casting, extremely smooth finishing, nose is long and has a bulb at the end, made directly by or with supervision from Bosse, legs are a good length and well proportioned, baby has good detail with X legs, overall a nice domed shape when the set is fully stacked, eyes are well drilled and wider apart, magnetic

Cons: Casting flaws are present, black paint instead of patina, black paint layer is fragile, ears can have less detail, baby can have less detail, less of that “classic” Bosse hedgehog look, prone to rust spots

For more information and further reading about rare hedgehogs, see our in depth article here.

Walter Bosse Steel Hedgehog Ashtrays

Walter Bosse Patinated Steel Hedgehog Ashtray Set

  • Rating: 7/10
  • Star Rating: ★★★★
  • Authenticity: Real
  • Rarity: Unique / Two of a Kind
  • Era: 1950s – 1960s

Pros: Extremely rare and possibly only two in existence, authentic, unique silver color with a grey-black patina, likely produced with original molds/masters, well detailed casting, smooth finishing, nose is long and has a bulb at the end, made directly by or with supervision from Bosse, legs are a good length and well proportioned, baby has good detail with fully formed legs, overall a nice domed shape when the set is fully stacked, eyes are well drilled and wider apart, magnetic, ears are be polished, feet and eyes are also polished, bold and unique look

Cons: Casting flaws are present, greyish patina is weak, experimental copper plating didn’t take, patina is very fragile, ears can have less detail, baby can have less detail, less of that “classic” Bosse hedgehog look, prone to rust spots, funky rainbow oil slick on the patina, super sandy casting texture

For more information and further reading about rare hedgehogs, see our in depth article here.

Walter Bosse Hedgehog Ashtray - Raw Steel

Walter Bosse Raw Steel Hedgehog Ashtray Set

  • Rating: 6/10
  • Star Rating: ★★★
  • Authenticity: Real
  • Rarity: Unique / One of a Kind
  • Era: 1960s

Pros: Extremely rare and possibly one of a kind, authentic, unique silver color, magnetic, likely produced with original molds/masters, nose is long and has a bulb at the end, made directly by or with supervision from Bosse, legs are a good length and well proportioned, overall a nice domed shape when the set is fully stacked
Cons – Casting flaws are present, ears have less detail, baby is large and crude with X legs and little detail, less of that “classic” Bosse hedgehog look, prone to rust spots, some eyes are missing

Cons: Casting flaws are present, ears have less detail, baby is large and crude with X legs and little detail, less of that “classic” Bosse hedgehog look, prone to rust spots, some eyes are missing

For more information and further reading about rare hedgehogs, see our in depth article here.

Fake Hedgehog Ashtrays

French Brass Hedgehog Ashtrays

French Brass Hedgehog Ashtray Set

  • Rating: 8/10
  • Star Rating: ★★★★
  • Authenticity: Fake
  • Rarity: Very Rare
  • Era: 1960s – 1970s

Pros: Quite rare, often inexpensive, finely cast, finished with an artistic eye, very heavy, excellent quality, quirky and fun, overall a nice domed shape when the set is fully stacked, baby has fully formed legs, faces are all gold, set has a bold style, larger size, extra painted flourishes, 6 piece set

Cons: A bit far removed from Bosse’s original vision, fake, manufactured in France, black is painted and not patinated, finish is very fragile, eyes are painted on and not drilled, ears are painted on

For more information and further reading, see our in depth article about fakes here.

Made in Italy Brass Hedgehog Ashtrays

Italian Polished Brass Hedgehog Ashtray Set

  • Rating: 8/10
  • Star Rating: ★★★★
  • Authenticity: Fake
  • Rarity: Rare
  • Era: 1960s – 1970s

Pros: Somewhat rare, often inexpensive, finely cast, excellent quality casting, very smooth almost mirror finishing, overall a nice domed shape when the set is fully stacked, baby is well detailed (X legs), nose is long, legs are long, a cheaper version of an all-gold set, pretty close to Walter Bosse’s original hedgehog ashtrays, 6 piece set

Cons: Fake, manufactured in Italy, ears are less detailed at the expense of polishing, finishing, can tarnish with use and age, “Made in Italy” mark is obnoxious on the baby

For more information and further reading, see our in depth article about fakes here.

Walter Bosse Hedgehog Ashtrays - Green Patina Verdigris

Green Patina / Verdigris Brass Hedgehog Ashtray Set

  • Rating: 4/10
  • Star Rating: ★★★
  • Authenticity: Most Likely Fake
  • Rarity: Very Common
  • Era: 1970s – 1980s

Pros: Very inexpensive, possibly cast from Bosse’s original molds/masters, ears are often polished, baby can sometimes have fully formed legs, casting quality can sometimes been good, made from solid brass, likely made in Germany, 6 piece set

Cons: Fake, likely manufactured without Bosse’s knowledge, ears are less detailed, casting can be sandy and low quality, likely casting flaws, black patina is hidden under funky green paint/patina (they did not stop the acid etching process quickly enough to stop green from developing), spines are often chipped, polished crudely with a grinding wheel, sharp angular spines and nose, eyes are drilled after patina and are golden inside

For more information and further reading, see our in depth article about green verdigris here.

Painted Aluminum Hedgehog Ashtrays

European Painted Aluminum Hedgehog Ashtray Set

  • Rating: 3/10
  • Star Rating: ★★
  • Authenticity: Fake
  • Rarity: Common
  • Era: 1960s – 1970s

Pros: Usually inexpensive, funny design, baby has fully formed legs, eyes are drilled, mostly smooth casting (no furry texture), overall stacked hedgehog shape is decent, ears are detailed, done with attention to detail and an artistic eye, 6 piece set

Cons: Fake, lightweight, air-brushed with yellow and brown paint, manufactured without Bosse’s knowledge, paint layer is fragile, made somewhere in Europe (likely France), overall design is weird, flashing lines from casting is present, die cast/injection molded, baby has redesigned interior spines (cone shaped), made of white metal or aluminum, hedgehogs have silly cone shaped legs

For more information and further reading, see our in depth article about fakes here.

Silver Hedgehog Ashtrays

Japanese Silver Hedgehog Ashtray Set with Red Eyes

  • Rating: 2/10
  • Star Rating: ★★
  • Authenticity: Fake
  • Rarity: Rare
  • Era: 1970s – 1980s

Pros: Very inexpensive, durable and easy to clean, overall stacked hedgehog shape is decent, nice heavy weight, looks like an albino hedgehog, creepy vibes (if that is your thing), cheap silver colored set, handmade look, less mass produced, very shiny silver, 6 piece set

Cons: Fake, manufactured without Bosse’s knowledge, likely made in Japan for export to the USA, red plastic crystals for eyes, overall design is weird and over-the-top, made of white/base metal, hedgehogs have silly cone shaped legs, exterior has a crazy incised furry texture, interior has weird hammered texture, baby is a totally different shape, no eyes present on smaller hedgehog ashtrays, if damaged they are prone to green rust

For more information and further reading, see our in depth article about fakes here.

Russian Hedgehog Ashtrays

Russian 1МПЗ (1MPZ) Zinc Hedgehog Ashtray

  • Rating: 1/10
  • Star Rating:
  • Authenticity: Fake
  • Rarity: Extremely Common
  • Era: 1970s – 1990s

Pros: Least expensive, durable and easy to clean, extremely detailed casting, often comes with a cool vintage box, each hedgehog has detailed ears, spines are nicely rounded, has applied dark patina with polished highlights, 6 piece set

Cons: Fake, manufactured without Bosse’s knowledge, made in Russia, extremely prolific, die cast in large volume, overall design is funky, made of zinc/base metal, exterior has a furry texture, interior has depressions leftover from casting process, baby is a totally different shape, hedgehogs have tiny legs, walls are thin, nose is squared and a funny shape, far removed from Bosse’s original vision, eyes are domed instead of drilled

For more information and further reading about Russian fakes, see our in depth article here.

Russian Winged Hedgehog Ashtrays

Russian “Авиаприбор” / Aviapribor Zinc Hedgehog Ashtray Set

  • Rating: 1/10
  • Star Rating:
  • Authenticity: Fake
  • Rarity: Common
  • Era: 1960s – 1970s

Pros: Least expensive, durable and easy to clean, extremely detailed casting, often comes with a cool vintage box, each hedgehog has detailed ears, spines are nicely rounded, 6 piece set

Cons: Fake, manufactured without Bosse’s knowledge, made in Russia, die cast in large volume, overall design is funky, made of zinc/base metal, exterior has a furry texture, interior has depressions leftover from casting process, baby is a totally different shape, hedgehogs have tiny legs, walls are thin, nose is squared and a funny shape, far removed from Bosse’s original vision, eyes are domed instead of drilled

For more information and further reading about Russian fakes, see our in depth article here.

Russian Painted Black and Gold Hedgehog Ashtray

  • Rating: 1/10
  • Star Rating:
  • Authenticity: Fake
  • Rarity: ?
  • Era: 1960s – 1980s

Pros: Black and gold look, artist painted, detailed casting, each hedgehog has detailed ears, spines are nicely rounded, 6 piece set

Cons: Painted on top of a vintage fake, manufactured without Bosse’s knowledge, made in Russia, overall design is funky, made of zinc/base metal, exterior has a furry texture, interior has depressions leftover from casting process, baby is a totally different shape, hedgehogs have tiny legs, walls are thin, nose is squared and a funny shape, far removed from Bosse’s original vision, eyes are domed instead of drilled, possibly made to fool you

For more information and further reading about Russian fakes, see our in depth article here.

Russian Kaslinsky / Каслинском Black Cast Iron Hedgehog Ashtray

  • Rating: 1/10
  • Star Rating:
  • Authenticity: Fake
  • Rarity: Uncommon
  • Era: 1960s – 1970s

Pros: Inexpensive, durable, somewhat detailed casting, each hedgehog has detailed ears, ultra matte black finish, 6 piece set, all-black color

Cons: Fake, casting quality isn’t great, manufactured without Bosse’s knowledge, made in Russia, cast in larger quantities, overall design is weird, made of cast-iron alloy, exterior has a furry hash-marked texture, baby is a totally different shape with a pointy nose, hedgehogs have tiny legs, walls are thin, noses on all the hedgehogs are a funny pointed shape, far removed from Bosse’s original vision, eyes are domed instead of drilled, bottoms have depressions leftover from casting process

For more information and further reading about Russian fakes, see our in depth article here.

Polished Gold Russian Brass Hedgehog Ashtrays

Russian Brass Souvenir Hedgehog Ashtray

  • Rating: 2/10
  • Star Rating:
  • Authenticity: Fake
  • Rarity: ? (possibly an open edition)
  • Era: ? – Present day

Pros: Inexpensive, solid brass, durable, very detailed casting, each hedgehog has detailed ears, good quality finishing and attention to detail, comes with a nice storage box, 6 piece set, cheap all-polished gold set

Cons: Fake of a fake (cast from an original Aviapribor model), currently being manufactured without the consent of the Bosse estate, made in Russia, overall design is weird, exterior has a furry texture, baby is a totally different shape, hedgehogs have tiny legs, walls are thin, far removed from Bosse’s original vision, eyes are domed instead of drilled, nose is squared and a funny shape

For more information and further reading, see our in depth article about fakes here.

Greek Hedgehog Ashtrays

Greek Copper Plated Hedgehog Ashtray Set

  • Rating: 1/10
  • Star Rating:
  • Authenticity: Fake
  • Rarity: Common
  • Era: 1970s – 1980s

Pros: Inexpensive, each hedgehog has detailed ears, copper finish, 6 piece set

Cons: Fake, copy of the Russian copy, casting quality is bad, manufactured without Bosse’s knowledge, made in Greece, cast in large quantities, overall design is weird, made of white/base metal with copper plating, plating is somewhat fragile, exterior has a furry texture, baby is a totally different shape, hedgehogs have small legs, walls are thin, noses on all the hedgehogs are a funny pointed shape, far removed from Bosse’s original vision, eyes are domed instead of drilled, casting has extra flashing on the seams leftover from the mold, prone to rust

For more information and further reading about Greek fakes, see our in depth article here.

Authentication Services

Embossed Gold Foil Sticker with "Bosse Wien" and Chamois Goat Logo with "Athenticated by Modern Vienna Bronze" at the bottom

We would be happy to take a look at your hedgehog ashtray or any other Walter Bosse items and give you details about them. Feel free to contact us for an evaluation. We currently do not give out monetary values because that amount is highly subjective. In some circumstances we can provide values for insurance purposes only.

Restoration Services

Hedgehog Ashtrays Before and After Restoration

Is your set of Walter Bosse hedgehog ashtrays looking a little worse for wear? Has the patina worn off in places or is the polishing looking dull? We have many techniques we can use to get your set looking the way you’d like it. We strive to use as non-invasive and reversible a process as possible in restoring items and we would love to discuss possible options with you. At this time we cannot restore any copies or fake sets.