This heavy metal ashtray was made for workers who were employed at the Gorgona Shops during the construction of the Panama Canal. I think that the metal is Brass, but it could be another heavy metal. The rim of the ashtray has large embossed lettering that says " Gorgona Shops Smoker" , " May 17, 1913 ". The bottom of the ashtray has the embossed letters: " Panama Canal ". This ashtray is in excellent condition. It is a wonderful collectible from the final days of Panama Canal construction.