My observation and reading of Wagner and Griswold pieces supports ashtrays, not spoon rests. Depending on what other piece you have, I would say those with two pour spouts shaped suitably for holding cigarettes are ashtrays; those with a matchbook holder certainly are. I would think something with a groove along the top of the handle and regular or no pour spouts would more likely be a spoon rest. I suppose both designs could be used interchangeably for either purpose, though.