USAAF 449th Bomb Group 15th Air Force WWII Ashtray Italy. World War II United States Army Air Forces 449th Bomb Group, 15th Air Force, made in Italy. The group was known as the “Flying Horsemen”, and were based in Italy from January 1944 through May 1945. They completed just over 250 combat missions over Europe and Eastern Asia. Bas Relief style with the 449th Winged Horse (Pegasus) insignia. See detailed info below. +Peppering – typically visible in the lighter colored glazes. This peppering is noticeable throughout the top surface. It actually looks a bit neat within the blue coloring. +Crazing – very little to none visible in the top surface of the ashtray, as well as the side borders. The glaze hides it well if there are any. Didn’t notice any HEAVY cracks anywhere. +Glaze Scaling – there are A LOT of visible areas (seen in the close up photos provided) where some once glazed sections, have broken or chipped off… Especially around all the corners and edge-lipped areas where you can see some layers have worn away the glaze. +Glaze Skip/Crawl – mostly the underbelly of the ashtray is where there wasn’t any glaze added – you can see in this piece that whoever glazed it, did get some near the top edge, as well as some splashes near the base where it set in. +Firing Lines – only ones I can note are on the underside before it comes to a point at the base. +Chips – A small one noted on the utmost tip of the Pegasus’s wing (perpendicular to the ear). There are at least x6 counted pin-hole sized holes on the non-glazed under belly which were more than likely air bubbles that cracked during firing. ALL flaws and worn areas have been photographed. If you wish to see more side of the piece NOT pictured, feel free to message. +Discoloration – normal from age, wear, and it being stored under artificial light fixtures. Photo #1 & #11 were taken inside. Photo #12 & #13 were taken outside on an overcast but bright day. 9 ounces weight. No Markings/Stamps/Hallmarks of any kind. Painted Terra Cotta Material. Any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
