WW1 Trench Art Crucifix

[john a]

This item was purchased at a porch sale several years ago. Has a Gott Mit Uns buckle face. Was this field made? I believe I read somewhere that these were made in Pow camps in France. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks John

[ynot]

I think trench art was made by civilians behind the lines and sold as souvenirs during and after the war as well as being made by POW’s. No doubt the odd soldier who wasn't a POW may have produced a few bits and pieces too if he had the chance and the time.

I have a letter opener made by my wife’s grandfather, he made it during his time spent in a POW camp, but I wonder if typical German trench art was made after the armistice when prisoners had easy access to brass when clearing the battlefields.

Tony

[Adrian Stevenson]

I would pretty much agree with Tony.

It is a nice item and the belt buckle works very well in this context.

[HPL2008]

An interesting and quite creative piece.

[john a]

Thanks for the post, I had a match holder with my grandfather had brought back with the Gott Mitt Uns emblem & wonder if this was tourist market made. Unfortunately this & a very nice lobster tail pickelhaube & assorted medals he brought back, disappeared when we were robbed. He fought in Meuse Argonne offensive of 1918. John