Original U.S. WWII Lockheed P-38 Lightning Australian Tour Ashtray Trench Art Japanese Antique Guns in which the unit was

in which the unit was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation

probably a mis-stamp of the 348 found on he cross guard

with the most noticeable difference being the replacement of a rubber rim with a spot welded steel rim

In the context of the Vietnam War (1959-1975)

Now during this period it was not uncommon for the bidons to be painted in a variety of colors listed above as well

Original U.S. WWII Lockheed P-38 Lightning Australian Tour Ashtray Trench Art Japanese Antique Guns in which the unit wasOriginal Item: Only One Available. The is a fabulous silvered ashtray featuring a model of an American World War Two Lockheed P 38 Lightning. The aircraft measures 6 1 2" x 5". The air plane is engraves Sydney Australia 1951 South Pacific. The ash bowl is also engraved with numerous Australian cities and initials. Almost certainly a memento of an USAAF pilot's time in Australia during the war, as to why the aircraft is dated post war, we don't know.