We doubt there is or every was a "The American Paint Factory Company N.Y." So that means this is 1980s Pop Art, identifiable imagery drawn from modernist mass media and popular culture in the style of Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, James Rosenquist, Claes Oldenburg, et. al. There were three statues originally in yellow, red, and blue. Yellow had the shortest stream and smallest can, red was next, and blue is the longest and largest. The term "New Wave" on the can dates from the late 1970s with a nod toward the Punk Rock movement. The paint colors and typography suggest synthetic rather than organic, like the music performed by Duran Duran, Devo, Blondie, and Elvis Costello.
This can is also reminiscent of the "Frozen Moments" concept of the mid-to-late 1970s, frozen-in-time drink and food sculptures like Coke and spaghetti that were once sold in galleries. Their creator called them "Zen sculptures focusing on an instant of a banal everyday experience, and making that instance last forever," and that philosophy applies to this as well.
This is a piggy-style bank frozen can, with a quarter-width slot in the bottom, but the lid detaches to reveal space that could hold a burning cigarette and ashes, so it can be an ashtray if you want. It is in excellent condition, with only the lightest of scratches on the paint spill. No rust, no rips or tears in the paper label. No repairs. Everything is there. It measures 6.5 inches ( cm) tall, 2.5 inches ( cm) wide. A piece of retro pop art in your 1980s living room, a joke to amuse the kiddies (tell them the paint is wet), or a bank/ashtray. Shipped free and insured in the US. Check out our other advertising collectibles on the Agitprop Shoppe online ebay store.