Spangdahlem was built in 1951 in response to rising tensions in the Cold War, with the help of France since the area of the base was in French territory. The stein is named to Nicholas S. Albano and reads: 10th RECONNAISSANCE TECHNICAL SQUADRON SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE GERMANY 1955 1958. During this time the 10th completed many recon missions, the squadron operated the Lockheed Shooting Star by day and the Douglas Invader by night. In 1954 the Martin RB-57A replaced the Douglas RB-26 and Republic Aviation RF-84-F Thunderjets replaced the Lockheed RF-80. Each side of the stein features hand painted detail, insignia and a map of Germany pinpointing the location of the airbase. The lid of the stein features wonderfully detailed Douglas RB-66 Destroyer Jet, and eagle perched on a US Shield. The base of the stein is lithophane and features the outline of a shapely woman when held up to the light (see photo). VINTAGE: Circa 1955 – 1958. SIZE: Approximately 9 tall x 3 diameter at top; base: 4 7/8 in diameter. CONSTRUCTION/MATERIALS: Hand painted porcelain, lithophane, pewter. MARKINGS: SCHMIDT KOBLENZ BOGENSTR 103. ITEM NOTES: This is from a US Air Force collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. VAAJX15 LDGEX15 SLDHEX4/15 SLCGEX5/16 afpg50020sab. CONDITION: 9- (Excellent+): Stein shows light wear, gorgeous painted details nearly all remain fully intact, overall excellent condition. GUARANTEE: As with all my items, this piece is guaranteed original. The item “Cold War USAF 10th Recon. Tech. Sq. Lithophane German Stein Spangdahlem Air Base” is in sale since Thursday, October 1, 2015. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Breweriana, Beer\Drinkware, Steins\Lidded Steins\Germany”. The seller is “flyingtigerantiques” and is located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This item can be shipped worldwide.