WW1/WW2 trench art ???

[jwp]

My apologies if this is posted in the wrong area, I do not know much about ordnance, got a trench art paper knife/letter opener in a local charity shop, the handle appears to be similar to a .303 lee enfield bullet with a brass blade with a punched design on it , the label described it as ww2 trench art possibly from the north African campaign, the end of the bullet, where the hammer would strike it has 3 stamps : a capital F. capital N and 13. , as said I don't know much about bullets etc, but it seems similar to many WW1 pieces I have seen, any thoughts much appreciated, as per usual with me will take pics in full daylight in the morning !!!!,
many thanks,
John.

[matty01]

Hi John, ive got something like that. Mines a ww1 version with 'Albert' (from the somme) engraved onto it.

Im gonna go find mine up, I haven't seen it in years its gotta be there somewhere.

looking forward to the piccy's, matty

[jwp]

Thanks Matty, with my limited knowledge of bullets etc. I may be wrong assuming it to be a .303 lee enfield round, anyway will try some pics in the morning,
John.

[matty01]

Don't ask me either fella, I don't know what mine is.

Il go have a search, I think its in an old ditty box upstairs in the loft.

I better go check, I wont be able to sleep until found. lol

matty

[ruddersrangers44]

Dont know about ww2 but these pieces were usually produced locally in France and Belgium early post ww1,my threads here somewhere on a Lebel paper knife.founds my pics for comparison.........

[jwp]

looking at the head of the bullet as a clock face, the capital F is at ten O clock, the N at two o clock and the 13 at six o clock !!!! .

[jwp]

My thoughts on being a lee enfield are more than likely wrong ! sorry about that I Found some info on headstamps on the forum, FN is listed as Fabrique Nationale d'Armes de Guerre (FN), Herstal, Belgium. the number 13 , would that indicate the year 1913 ?



John.

[jwp]

Here are some pics of my item, the length of the bullet casing is 56mm,
cheers, John.