Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. The Mitsubishi A6M "Zero" is a long-range carrier-based fighter aircraft formerly manufactured by Mitsubishi Aircraft Company, a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and was operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy from 1940 to 1945. The A6M was designated as the Mitsubishi Navy Type 0 carrier fighter, or the Mitsubishi A6M Rei-sen. The A6M was usually referred to by its pilots as the Reisen, "0" being the last digit of the imperial year 2600 (1940) when it entered service with the Imperial Navy. The official Allied reporting name was "Zeke", although the name "Zero" (from Type 0) was used colloquially as well.

The Zero is considered to have been the most capable carrier-based fighter in the world when it was introduced early in World War II, combining excellent maneuverability and very long range. The Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service (IJNAS) also frequently used it as a land-based fighter.

This is an outstanding Australian ashtray likely brought back by a U.S. soldier stationed there during the war. The ashtray is shaped like the continent of Australia with two cast Kangaroos attached. The bowl has a lovely stamped pattern with an engraved island with palm trees in the center. The text is embossed:

CAST OF A JAP ZERO PROP

AUSTRALIA

The ashtray has two small spots for cigarettes/cigars, and measures 6 ¼ x 5 ½ x 2 ⅛”.

Ready for display!