Trench Art Seaplane ashtray

This is a rare bird. I have a lot of trench art airplanes from both World Wars, but this is my first seaplane.

I was surprised at the weight of the piece-- the body of the plane is a solid piece with bullet and shell brass used in other areas. It has some great engraving-- the stars on the wings, "US Navy" on the tail, and "The Mermaid" on the fuselage.

Missing the wing float on the left side, but rarity more than makes up for the damage.

Assume this is the PBY- Catalina, but correct me if I am wrong. I'll see what I can find about the mermaid and update.

Sits atop a large and heavy 4 inch navy shell with a "diary" decoration around the base.

My trench art and my photos, do not copy or use without permission