Can anyone identify this seaplane?

[RonnieR]

Hi,
I have an aeroplane ashtray. It is a large chromed brass seaplane. I think maybe from the mid-1930's. Between the two inner engines, atop the wing, sit two unusual additions. Are these fuel tanks or some type of anchor point? The ashtray is Australian but as for the plane???? Please see photos.
cheers
RonnieR

 

[fubar57]

Short Empire?

 

[GrauGeist]

It definately has a Short look to it.

 

[EwenS]

It is probably meant to represent the Short S.21 Maia. That was the lower half, the carrier part, of the Short Mayo Composite aircraft. What is missing is the Short S.20 Mercury aircraft that would have been carried on top.

The two large bulges on the upper wing are probably a relatively crude attempt to portray the mounting points for the Mayo.

Short Mayo Composite - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

Lucky you for possessing such a rare object.

 

[RonnieR]

Many thanks for your comments. It definitely has a short look about it and I love the idea of it being a short Empire. It makes sense that the rounded sections could represent the mounting points for the Mercury.