A piece of trench art.

[rbminis]

Here is an item I picked up a looong time ago. I wanted to share and glean any information that anybody might have to give me.
I was offered a small sum for it from a local Canadian and British collector. I turned him down as I was aware that he only wanted items that he could get for a song. I have no idea of it's value. I like it a lot and would not consider selling it for a long time.
Ralph.

[rogge16]

Really neat! I wouldn't of sold it either. Thanks for posting.

Luke

[rbminis]

Thanks Luke!
Can anyone comment on the insignia or ammunition used to create this item?
Thanks in advance,
Ralph.

[zwerge]

The cartridge HS shown is German WW1 7.92x57mm Mauser......Pete.

[milmuseum]

As far as trench art goes this is one of the nicest I have ever seen Someone put a lot of time into this one. Judging from the split cartridges it looks like it was made to display a prized war trophy of some kind. I am guessing at one time there was a Luger or some kind of blade sitting there. It's too bad it can't talk.

Burt

[rbminis]

Thanks Pete!
Ralph.

[Walkwolf]

Great piece of WWI 'Trench Art'. You see a lot of 'boring' items, like lighters,
ash trays or .50 caliber bullets on wood bases, but this one is more
interesting and ornate than usual.

I suspect there is a letter opener with a bullet or chunk of schrapnel
for a handle missing from this piece, and I'm guessing the fuse
in the center is WWI German as well.........

[rbminis]

Thanks Burt!
I believe it is an ink well and the split cartridges were for a quill to rest on.
Ralph.

[rbminis]

Thanks Steve!
Ralph.

[Walkwolf]

Good call re the inkwell, Ralph.........!

The trench art I see here is far overpriced IMO, and it is usually
from the WWII era - Something like this would probably have
a pricetag of $150 to $200 at an Antique shop !