Original WWI Two Piece Trench Art Grouping Shrapnel Letter Opener and Silver Coin Brooch 1916

Up for auction or sale is a highly fascinating and 100 percent original World War I period European trench art grouping. This two piece lot represents fine examples of front line or rear workshop craftsmanship, created from battlefield relics and campaign souvenirs.

The grouping consists of:

One unique trench art desk letter opener. The handle is fashioned from a heavy, rugged piece of jagged melted iron from an exploded artillery shell casing or shrapnel fragment. This rustic handle is secured to a sleek, double edged blade that features an original iron crossguard with elegant curved tips. The overall length is approximately 22.5 cm (about 8.8 inches). A wonderful piece of frontline history for a display desk.

One detailed patriotic campaign brooch from the 1916 Eastern Front campaign. The left and right sections are made from two original Imperial Russian 10 Kopek silver coins minted in 1914 at the St Petersburg mint. The central brass medallion displays a cross motif with the inscription Deutschland 1916 and the traditional motto In Treue fest aus Russlands Kampf. It has a fine draped chain attached underneath. On the reverse, the original pin catch was functionally replaced with a safety pin at a later date. The width is approximately 50 mm.

Condition:
Both historical items are in honest, untouched vintage condition with an excellent deep aged patina. No modern cleanings or alterations have been made. Please inspect all high resolution photos with the measuring tape for exact details.

An incredible, cohesive pairing for collectors specializing in Great War trench art, military style office accoutrements, or unique campaign souvenir jewelry.