Trench Art Cigarette case

This example appears to have been made from aircraft alloy and has been finely worked by hand. One side features stylised flowers with a very 1930's deco feel. The reverse carries another flower related pattern with a cartouche in the centre which may have been designed for initials or a name to be inserted but on this one it is blank. The hand made spring catch allows the case to open. Inside is an elastic strip to hold the cigarettes in place. Our feeling is this may have originated in North Africa and made by locals from wartime scrap for sale to the forces as a souvenir but it could also be an example of POW work. Either way it is an excellent example of the genre. Measures 5" x 3" (13 cm x 7.5 cm). Please also check out the other military cigarette cases we are listing today