Original World War One trench art mess kit. Folding handle stamped, “U.S./ R.I.A./ 1917.” The removable lid is profusely soldier decorated at the top center with the winged medical symbol flanked by the initials, “J.L.” The center is marked “1919.” On the left side is a large cannon flanked by, “75th/ ARTY” (artillary). At the lower center is “France” above a leafy flower. “CL” on the base. All of the design on the lid was accomplished with a single punch tool. Quite a bit of time went into this design.

Trench Art has been around in one form or another for centuries, but reached its height of popularity during World War One and Two. Typically, these items are crafted out of bits and pieces of military leftovers, such as brass shell casings, aluminum canteens and mess kits, and occasionally wood or even plastic. Despite the name, few if any of these items were actually made in trenches. More often they were crafted in camps or in metal shops by servicemen with a little spare time. These soldier made pieces seem to represent a lesser portion of trench art, which most typically appears to be products of local artisans in war torn areas. With many cities and businesses reduced to ruins, making “trench art” souvenirs to sell to soldiers for hard money was a practical way for many locals to earn badly needed funds. Generally, the majority of the somewhat less refined pieces tend to be soldier made, though there were many well crafted examples made by servicemen as well. Trench art remains an interesting almost folk art like relic from past conflicts.

Date : 1917-1919

Size: 9″ x 7″ x 2″ tall. 17″ long when open.

Condition:  Army used with typical scratching and wear. Loop handle missing from lid.

Price: $47

Shipping: $12