Hello everyone, I recently acquired an incredible matching pair of Vietnam War-era ceramic desk elephants (the classic "BUFEs") and I am hoping the expertise of this board can help shed some light on their specific history. From my understanding, these appear to be higher-end presentation pieces rather than standard street-market souvenirs, primarily due to the dual naval insignias and the specific maker's marks on the base. The Details of the Pieces: Side One: Features the enameled metal shield for the Naval Advisory Group Vietnam (MACV). Side Two: Features the metal medallion for the South Vietnamese Navy Command (Hải Quân Việt-Nam / Bộ Tư Lệnh / Hạm Đội). Construction: Heavy, hand-built earthenware with multi-tonal turquoise, brown, and white glazes (consistent with Bien Hoa or Lai Thieu pottery). The white glaze shows heavy, natural crazing. The Maker's Marks: Unlike slip-cast pieces, these have rough, raw clay underbellies. One elephant retains a heavily oxidized, original paper tag inside the bottom cavity. The other elephant features a distinct, hand-incised maker's mark carved directly into the wet clay before firing. It shows the letters "NH" inside a square, and a cross/star tally mark in the square below it. My Questions for the Group: The "NH" Mark: Does anyone have records or knowledge of which specific Bien Hoa/Lai Thieu master artisan or workshop used the "NH" mark during the war? The Context: Have you seen this specific dual-insignia pairing before? I am curious if these were standard presentation items for departing US Naval Advisors, or if they were reserved for specific ranks/officers working directly with the VNN Fleet Command. The Insignias: The medallions appear to be attached with an era-original adhesive. Was it common for MACV/VNN to officially contract these ceramics and attach the shields locally in Saigon? I have attached detailed photos showing the overall pieces, the insignias, the raw clay interior, and the specific "NH" maker's mark. Any historical context, unit information, or insight into the pottery marks would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your time and expertise!

. Not only were Jeeps crated . . . . . .   a couple of photos from the manual for un-crating various Dodge WC's series trucks            Norman D. Landing, Forum Normandy Correspondent, 17  June  2O26.   ..

. Not only Jeeps were crated  . . . . . .   a couple of photos from the manual for unpacking crated Ford GPA's ( amphibious Jeeps )         Norman D. Landing, Forum Normandy Correspondent, 17  June  2O26.   ..

. Searching for the Unicorn of the Jeeping world .... A crated Jeep. !!!   Everyone knows that there were crated Jeeps in WWII and the search has continued for a genuine crated Jeep for the last eighty years, even I have made trips in search of an elusive fairytale.  Six months ago we did find the remains of a wooden crate in Cherbourg where crated Jeeps arrived and assembled.         Norman D. Landing, Forum Normandy Correspondent, 17  June  2O26.   ..

Well it is a shuttle craft carrier 😁 mikie

Super cool.  Thanks for posting.  Something never seen before is always exciting.

Thanks, Manayunkman, I did not know that!   OD

Bump: anyone have this kit for sale? Does anyone know if this program exists within the 3D printing community? Thank you!  

Looking for some expert insight into this incredible matching pair of vintage Vietnam War-era ceramic elephants I recently acquired. From my research, these appear to be mid-century Biên Hòa ceramic elephant ashtrays/desk ornaments, likely dating between 1964 and 1973. What makes them fascinating is the joint military insignia attached to the sides: One side features the shield for the Naval Advisory Group Vietnam (MACV). The other features the medallion for the South Vietnamese Navy Command (Hải Quân Việt-Nam / Bộ Tư Lệnh / Hạm Đội). The Marks The pieces are entirely authentic—rough, hand-built underbellies with natural crazing on the glaze. One still has a fragile, oxidized paper label on the inside cavity and the other features hand-incised markings carved directly into the raw clay on the bottom base showing the letters "NH" and a cross mark. My Questions for the Group: Does anyone recognize the "NH" potter's mark or know which specific Biên Hòa kiln/workshop was contracted by MACV or the South Vietnamese Navy for these presentation pieces? Has anyone seen a matching U.S./VNN naval command desk set like this before, or know how frequently these dual-insignia elephants were awarded to high-ranking officers in Saigon? Would love to hear any history, context, or similar examples you guys might have encountered over the years. Thanks in advance!

I have seen several French-made DSMs before, but - as with most French-made DSCs - there is some uncertainty about when and for whom they were produced, given the relatively large number that seem to have survived… There is an example on eBay listed at $249 with no watchers that has been relisted several times. I would be comfortable stating that this is at the upper boundary of the range.   Fred