Description
Rare Bitburg Airforce Base post WWII ashtray with cigar-sized rests and center snuffer.
In excellent condition, appears unused. The Bitburg Airforce base was built in Western Germany’s Eifel Mountains in the 1951 and closed in the 1990s.
During the height of the Cold War military rod and gun clubs were widespread. This ashtray is from the early years when the Rod and Gun Club was still operating in the town of Bitburg.
Searching the internet, you’ll find this to be the only Bitburg Rod & Gun Club ashtray available (at this time). There are a few examples of smaller Bitburg ashtrays, not available for sale, but we haven’t seen another like this one.
Marked on the base “Konigl.pr.tettau gegr. 1794”. The trademark ‘Konigl.pr.tettau’ stands for the Royal Prussian Porcelain Gactory, known as Royal Bayreuth today. Tettau is a village in Bavaria, Germany. The letters ‘pr’ are an abbreviation of the word Prussian. The words ‘gegr 1794’ means ‘Founded in 1794’
It’s large, measures 8½” round and 1½” tall. Features four 1″ wide cradle rests, deep slanting ash receiving bowl and a large center snuffer. The decor is mixed with hand-painted rest colors and logo with applied hunting scenes. The decor is in original condition. A black dot ‘maker’s miss’ can be seen in the lower center. The glaze is bright and shiny, no crazing. No damage or age/use wear.
