Patrol Squadron Sixteen (VP-16) USN Painted Beer Stein c. 1958

This beer stein was owned by a USN pilot who served in Patrol Squadron Sixteen (VP-16) during the late 1950s or early 1960s.

The unit was based out of Jacksonville, Florida.

The sides of the stein feature the unit patch and an early P2 "Neptune" aircraft. According to the unit history, the unit used P2s until a transition to the P3 "Orion" which began 30 JUL 1964. This stein must pre- date that time period.

Base on similar steins in my collection, I think this dates the late 1950s. The nude lithopane in the bottom is typical of 1950s German made steins.

For anyone with interest-- this link takes you to a history link of the squadron:

http://www.vpnavy.com/vp16_history.html

Scott