WW1 Era French Trench Art Ashtray & Matchbox Holder Stand

This is a really nice example of a WW1 trench art shell case ornament, the base which I think is French in origin has a series of marks including 75 DEC, C.17 and others, it has been engraved with a series of battles from both Belgium and Franch including: Alsace, Marne, Verdun, Somme and around the base ‘Yser’, the central column has been constructed from brass possibly bullet casings designed to hold a matchbox holder and this is engraved with 1914 – 1917 souvenir. A heavy piece. It comes in very good condition with a few rust spots to one edge and would benefit from a good clean, it measures 4.75 inches in diameter at the widest point.

Code: 29382