Hi Steve,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
The Hotel McAlpin, once the largest hotel in the world, opened in New York City in 1912. Located on Herald Square, it featured luxurious accommodations and modern amenities for its time. The McAlpin became a symbol of grandeur and elegance and commissioned Noritake make ashtrays in interesting forms, from clowns such as this to flappers, though these forms were made for other clients as well.
Other examples of this form typically sell for less than $100
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A vintage Noritake Hotel McAlpin painted porcelain Pierrot ashtray
made in Japan, bearing the Morimura "M" mark in use in the 1920s-30
The circular dish with a seated Pierrot clown, one leg extended; the underside bearing the Noritake M mark.
(3-1/4 inches high)
CONDITION: This ashtray appears to be in good condition,
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$75-100*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia