RAF WWII Kings Crown Ashtray

A really crisp example that features a set of RAF pilots wings in brass and picked out in red and blue to the centre, surmounted by a Kings Crown, so almost certainly dates back to WWII. The middle of the tray is recessed to carry ash and on each corner is an indent to receive a Craven 'A' or a Players cigarette-untipped of course! The reverse does not carry any makers marks or other clues to its origins, but it is stamped EPNS ;this stands for "Electro Plated Nickel Silver" with Nickel Silver being the base metal onto which silver is plated. Despite its name, Nickel Silver contains no silver at all, but is an alloy of Nickel, Zinc & Copper. I actually purchased this from aviation collector and sometime dealer Kevin King back in 2004 but after nearly 17 years it is time to find a new custodian for it. Whilst displaying minor marks, commensurate with age, it remains in remarkably good original condition. Measures 4.25"x4.25" (10.5 cm x10.5 cm)