Trench art knife and fork, WW1 era, British (c 1914-19)

Title	Trench art knife and fork, WW1 era
Nationality	British
Period	c 1914-19

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Trench art work of this sort was not normally made in the trenches, but in rear areas where there were workshops, viz RE depots or armourers' workshops. These are made from two German Mauser rifle rounds, whose head stamps are dated 1910 and 1913. The brass knife blade and fork tines have been sweated into the noses of the bullets with lead solder.

The bullets have been professionally disabled, although the primers remain unfired. Presumably they have been dealt with by the judicious application of penetrating oil.

The length of the knife is just over 16.75 cm.

These are most probably English, being made as they are from live enemy rounds. Any soldier treating his own side's ammunition in this manner would have been risking the wrath of the powers that be.

Their condition is excellent for their age, with a little expected patination here and there, all of which could be polished out if so desired.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Ephemera : Cutlery : British : 20th Century]

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