WWII 1944 Australia P-38 Lightning Souvenir Trench Art Ashtray Kangaroo OBO ART For Sale

Original WWII trench art–style ashtray crafted in Australia and dated 1944. Features a cast aluminum Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter over a map-shaped base of Australia, with a 3D kangaroo figure mounted on the front. Handmade and engraved “Australia 1944.” Likely created by or for Allied servicemen stationed in the South Pacific during World War II. Excellent vintage patina and intact propellers. Perfect for aviation, military, or WWII collectors.

Item specifics:

• Era: WWII (1944)

• Material: Cast aluminum (aircraft alloy)

• Features: Engraved “Australia 1944,” kangaroo figure, 3D aircraft

• Theme: Aviation / Trench Art / Military Souvenir

• Dimensions: (measure approx. width & height)

• Condition: Vintage patina, minor oxidation consistent with age

• Origin: Australia / South Pacific Theater

Cast metal (likely aircraft aluminum, sometimes called “Duralumin” or “trench art aluminum”).

• Depicts a Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter over a map-shaped base of Australia.

• Instead of engraved cities like the first, this version features a 3D kangaroo figure mounted to the base — a classic postwar motif symbolizing Australia.

• The base is engraved “Australia 1944.”

• The underside shows casting marks and handmade screw fastenings — indicating small-batch or workshop production, not a factory souvenir.

• The P-38’s three propellers are intact, which adds value.

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🕰️ Historical Context

This piece dates from around 1944–45, during the height of the Pacific campaign.

• Many American airmen were stationed in Northern Australia (Darwin, Townsville, etc.) as part of the South Pacific theater.

• Soldiers and airmen often used scrap aircraft aluminum to craft mementos — hence the term “trench art.”

• After the war, local Australian craftsmen continued making these as tourist pieces for U.S. servicemen heading home.

See my other listing for a great companion piece!