U.S. Air Force Porcelain Ash Tray- Presented to Major General John K. Hester, AF

Description

This artifact is a 1960's Era, Porcelain Ashtray owned and dedicated to Maj Gen John K. Hester.
This ashtray can be dated from 1961 when the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing was converting from F-100 Super Sabre's to F-105 Thunderchiefs, which is the aircraft depicted on the ashtray's center art. This can't be any older than April 1965 when Major General John K. Hester died tragically from injuries sustained during a
military
parachute jump. It also can be inferred that the country of manufacture was Germany as the wing headquarters and General Hester were both stationed in Germany at the time.
The artifact has three major components, 1. the F-105 Thunderchief in the center with the distinguishable three vein engine nozzle and the livery with tail flash that is correct for a F-105 at the 49th Wing. 2. The unit emblem for the 49th Wing. And most
importantly
, 3. the gold embellishments dedicating the ashtray to General John K. Hester along with embellishment where one would rest a cigar.
There is little to no material damage to the porcelain, there are no chipping, cracks, or fractures on the entirety of the ash tray. There is some light chipping and patina to the gold embellishments, yet nothing to impede legibility, detract from dispalyability, nor something that can't be fixed with polish. We leave that decision to the buyer! The largest chip is on what appears to be an enamel paint used to color the wing emblem. An interesting aspect of the artistic side of this artifact is a texturing on the F-105 to simulate the bolts on the panels.
A World War II fighter pilot who served as a Squadron Commander in China with the famous 14th Air Force, the "Flying Tigers," General Hester went on to serve on Curtis LeMay's Air Staff and as the Commanding General of the 17th Air Force at Ramstein AFB, Germany. This artifact has been entrusted to Heritage Arsenal for consignment by the family of Major General John K. Hester and has not previously been resident in any collection or museum.
See the below video for more information on Maj Gen John K. Hester
Remembering Major General John K Hester -\"Flying Tiger\" Distinguished Flying Cross Recipient
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