AN ELIZABETH II SILVER ASHTRAY, by Gerald Benney (1930-2008), London 1972, rectangular with bark effect ground, the interior with blue leather base and applied with a gilt lion passant, glass liner. 10.5cm  wide, 9.1 troy ounces gross exc. liner Gerald Benney was one of the most outstanding goldsmiths of the 20th Century. With works being continuously produced for over fifty years, from private commissions to mass production. Born in Hull, Yorkshire, in 1930, Benney received many commissions from the Royal Family and was the first craftsman to hold four Royal Warrants simultaneously: from HM The Queen, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales